,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods ,,by ,,ar?ur ,b4 ,,reeve ,,frontispiece ,,by ,,w ,,fo/] ,,cont5ts ,i ,,! ,,p]uvian ,,dagg] ,,ii ,,! ,,soldi] ,,( ,,=tune ,,iii ,,! ,,ar*aeological ,,detective ,,iv ,,! ,,treasure ,,hunt]s ,v ,,! ,,wall ,,/reet ,,promot] ,,vi ,,! ,,curse ,,( ,,mansi*e ,,vii ,,! ,,arr[ ,,poison ,,viii ,,! ,,anonym\s ,,lett] ,,ix ,,! ,,pap] ,,fibres ,x ,,! ,x-,,ray ,,read] ,,xi ,,! ,,%oe-,,pr9ts ,,xii ,,! ,,evil ,,eye ,,xiii ,,! ,,poison$ ,,cig>ette ,,xiv ,,! ,,int]f]omet] ,,xv ,,! ,,we$ ,,( ,,madness ,,xvi ,,! ,,e> ,,9 ,,! ,,wall ,,xvii ,,! ,,voice ,,f ,,! ,,air ,,xviii ,,! ,,antidote ,,xix ,,! ,,burgl> ,,p[d] ,,xx ,,! ,,pulmotor ,,xxi ,,! ,,telescribe ,,xxii ,,! ,,vani%] ,,xxiii ,,! ,,acetyl5e ,,tor* ,,xxiv ,,! ,,police ,,dog ,,xxv ,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods ,i ,,! ,,p]uvian ,,dagg] ,!re's some?+ weird & my/]i\s ab\t ! robb]y1 ,k5n$y4 ,!y took ! v ?+ ,i treasure mo/ ( all1 an anci5t ,p]uvian dagg]4 ,pr(essor ,allan ,norton 0 v mu* excit$ z he dropp$ into ,craig's laboratory e>ly t =5oon4 ,norton1 ,i may say1 0 "o ( ! y\ng] memb]s ( ! faculty1 l ,k5n$y4 ,already1 h[ev]1 he _h made = himself a place z "o ( ! =emo/ ( ,s\? ,am]ican explor]s & ar*aeologi/s4 ,h[ !y got into ! ,s\? ,am]ican section ( ! ,museum1 ?\gh1 ,i don't und]/&1 he hurri$ on4 ,b1 once 91 t !y %\ld take ! mo/ valuable relic ,i br\ght back ) me on ?is la/ exp$ition1 ,i ?9k c]ta9ly %[s t x 0 a robb]y ) a deep-laid1 prem$itat$ purpose4 ,no?+ else is gone8 qu]i$ ,k5n$y4 ,no?+1 return$ ! pr(essor4 ,t's ! /range/ "p ( x--to me4 ,x 0 a peculi> dagg]1 too1 he cont9u$ rem9isc5tly4 ,i say t x 0 valuable1 = on ! blade 7 engrav$ "s curi\s ,inca *>act]s4 ,i wasn't able to take ! "t to deciph] !m1 d[n !re1 = ! age ( ! metal made !m almo/ illegible4 ,b n[ t ,i h all my /uff unpack$ & arrang$ aft] my trip1 ,i 0 j ab\t to try--:5 along comes a ?ief & robs me4 ,we c't h ! ,univ]sity ,museum brok5 into t way1 y "k1 ,k5n$y4 ,i %\ld say n1 readily ass5t$ ,craig4 ,i'd l to look ! place ov]4 ,j :at ,i want$1 exclaim$ ,norton1 he>tily delight$1 & lead+ ! way4 ,we walk$ across ! campus ) him to ! ,museum1 /ill *att+4 ,norton 0 a tall1 sp>e man1 wiry1 precisely ! type "o w\ld pick to make an explor] 9 a tropical climate4 ,8 features 7 %>p1 sugge/+ a cle> & p5etrat+ m9d & a disposition to make ! mo/ ( ev]y?+1 no matt] h[ slight4 ,inde$ t _h be5 8 hi/ory1 ,i knew4 ,he _h come to college a c\ple ( ye>s be=e ,k5n$y & myself1 almo/ p5niless1 & _h work$ 8 way ?r\gh by do+ ev]y?+ f wait+ on table to tutor+4 ,to-day he /ood =? z a %9+ example ( self-made intellectual man1 z cultur$ z if he _h sprung f a race ( s*ol>s1 z practical z if he _h tak5 to mills r ?an museums4 ,we ent]$ a h&some :ite-m>ble build+ 9 ! %ape ( a rectangle1 fac+ ! ,univ]sity ,libr>y1 a build+1 by ! way1 :i* ,norton _h p]suad$ sev]al weal?y tru/ees & o!r donors to erect4 ,k5n$y at once began exam9+ ! section devot$ to ,lat9 ,am]ica1 go+ ov] ev]y?+ v c>efully4 ,i look$ ab\t1 too4 ,!re 7 treasures f ,mexico & ,p]u1 f e romantic bit ( ! wond]ful c\ntries s\? ( u--blocks ( porphyry ) qua9t grecques & hi]oglyphic pa9t+ f ,mitla1 copp] axes & pott]y f ,cuzco1 sculptur$ /ones & mosaics1 jugs1 cups1 vases1 little gods & great1 sacrificial /ones1 a treasure h\se ( ,aztec & ,inca lore--en\gh to keep "o occupi$ = h\rs m]ely to look at4 ,yet1 ,i reflect$1 foll[+ ,norton1 9 all ?is mass ( mat]ial1 ! ?ief seem$ to h select$ "o1 app>5tly insignificant1 dagg]1 ! ?+ :i* ,norton priz$ because1 someh[1 x bore on its blade some?+ :i* he _h n1 z yet1 be5 able to fa?om4 ,?\gh ,k5n$y look$ ?or\ghly & pati5tly1 x seem$ z ?\gh !re 0 no?+ !re to tell any /ory ( ! robb]y1 & he turn$ 8 att5tion at la/ to o!r p>ts ( ! ,museum4 ,z he made 8 way ab\t sl[ly1 ,i not$ t he 0 look+ p>ticul>ly into corn]s1 beh9d cab9ets1 ar\nd angles4 ,:at he expect$ to f9d ,i c\ld n ev5 guess4 ,fur!r along & on ! same side ( ! build+ we came to ! section devot$ to ,egyptology4 ,k5n$y paus$4 ,/&+ !re1 upright aga9/ ! wall1 0 a mummy case4 ,to me1 ev5 n[1 ! ?+ _h a creepy look4 ,craig pu%$ aside ! /one lid irrev]5tly & gaz$ ke5ly into ! uncanny dep?s ( ! /one s>cophagus4 ,an in/ant lat] he 0 d[n on 8 h&s & knees1 c>efully exam9+ ! int]ior by means ( a pocket l5s4 ,i ?9k ,i h made a />t1 he rem>k$1 ris+ to 8 feet & fac+ u ) an air ( satisfaction4 ,we said no?+1 & he po9t$ to "s almo/ undisc]nible m>ks 9 a ?9 lay] ( du/ t _h collect$ 9 ! s>cophagus4 ,if ,i'm n mi/ak51 he w5t on1 y\r ?ief got into ! ,museum dur+ ! daytime1 &1 :5 no "o 0 look+1 hid "h4 ,he mu/ h /ay$ until ! place 0 lock$ up at night4 ,!n he c\ld rob at 8 leisure1 only tak+ c>e to conf9e 8 op]ations to ! "t betwe5 ! r infrequ5t r\nds ( ! night wat*man4 ,k5n$y b5t d[n aga94 ,look1 he indicat$4 ,!re are ! m>ks ( %oes 9 ! du/1 %oes ) nails 9 ! heels1 ( c\rse4 ,i %all h to comp>e ! m>ks t ,i h f\nd "h ) ^? ,i h collect$1 foll[+ out ! me?od ( ! immortal ,b]tillon4 ,e make ( %oes has its own peculi>ities1 bo? 9 ! numb] & ! arrangem5t ( ! nails4 ,(fh&1 h[ev]1 ,i %\ld say t ^! %oes 7 ,am]ican-made--?\gh t1 ( c\rse1 does n necess>ily mean t an ,am]ican wore !m4 ,i may ev5 be able to det]m9e :i* ( a numb] ( individual pairs ( %oes made ! m>ks4 ,i _c tell t yet1 until ,i /udy !m4 ,walt]1 ,i wi% y'd g ov] to my laboratory4 ,9 ! second "r-h& draw] ( my desk y'll f9d a package ( pap]4 ,i'd l to h x4 ,don't y ?9k y ought to pres]ve ! m>ks8 ,i he>d ,norton h9t1 z ,i left4 ,he _h be5 wat*+ ,k5n$y 9 op5-ey$ amazem5t & int]e/4 ,exactly :at ,i am s5d+ ,walt] to d1 he return$4 ,i h "s specially prep>$ pap] t w take ^? du/ m>ks up & give me a p]fect replica4 ,i hurri$ back z fa/ z ,i c\ld1 & ,k5n$y b5t to ! task ( pres]v+ ! m>ks4 ,h y any idea :o might h an object 9 /eal+ ! dagg]8 ,k5n$y ask$1 :5 he _h f9i%$4 ,norton %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,i believe "s weird sup]/itions 7 connect$ ) x1 he repli$4 ,x _h a ?ree-sid$ blade1 &1 z ,i told y1 bo? ! blade & ! hilt 7 cov]$ ) peculi> m>k+s4 ,!re seem$ to be no?+ m t c\ld be discov]$ f a fur!r exam9ation ( ! ,museum4 ,x 0 pla9 en\gh t ! ?ief mu/ h let himself out ( a side door :i* _h a spr+ lock on x & clos$ itself4 ,n a m>k or scrat* 0 to be f\nd on any ( ! w9d[ or door locks2 no?+ else seem$ to h be5 di/urb$4 ,evid5tly ! ?ief _h be5 aft] t "o1 to him priceless1 object4 ,hav+ got x1 he 0 cont5t to get away1 leav+ unt\*$ ! o!r treasures1 "s ( :i* 7 ev5 intr9sically valuable = ! metal & preci\s /ones 9 !m4 ,! :ole affair seem$ s /range to me1 h[ev]1 t1 someh[1 ,i c\ld n help wond]+ :e!r ,norton _h told u ! :ole or only half ! /ory z he knew x ab\t ! dagg] & its hi/ory4 ,/ill talk+ ) ! ar*aeologi/1 ,k5n$y & ,i return$ to 8 laboratory4 ,we _h sc>cely rea*$ ! door :5 we he>d ! telephone r++ insi/5tly4 ,i answ]$1 & x happ5$ to be a call = me4 ,x 0 ! editor ( ! ,/> endeav\r+ to cat* me1 be=e ,i />t$ d[nt[n to ! (fice1 9 ord] to give me an assignm5t4 ,t's /range1 ,i exclaim$1 hang+ up ! receiv] & turn+ to ,craig4 ,i've got to g out on a murd] case-- ,an int]e/+ case8 ask$ ,craig1 int]rupt+ 8 own tra9 ( inve/igation ) a fla% ( pr(essional int]e/4 ,:y1 a man has be5 murd]$ 9 8 ap>tm5t on ,c5tral ,p>k1 ,we/1 ,i believe4 ,luis de ,m5doza is ! "n1 & x seems-- ,don ,luis de ,m5doza8 repeat$ ,norton1 ) a />tl$ exclamation4 ,:y1 he 0 an influ5tial ,p]uvian1 a man ( affairs 9 8 c\ntry1 & an accompli%$ s*ol>4 ,i--,i--if y don't m9d1 ,i'd l to g ov] ) y4 ,i "k ! ,m5dozas4 ,k5n$y 0 wat*+ ,norton's face ke5ly4 ,i ?9k ,i'll g1 too1 ,walt]1 he decid$4 ,y won't lack assi/ants on ?is /ory1 app>5tly4 ,p]haps y c be ( "s assi/ance to !m1 also1 put 9 ,norton to ,k5n$y1 z we left4 ,x 0 only a %ort ride d[nt[n1 & our cab soon pull$ up be=e a r ornate entrance ( a l>ge ap>tm5t 9 "o ( ! mo/ exclusive sections ( ! city4 ,we jump$ out & ent]$1 succe$+ 9 mak+ our way to ! six? floor1 :]e ,m5doza liv$1 )\t int]f]5ce f ! hallboy1 :o _h be5 completely swamp$ by ! ru% t foll[$ ! excitem5t ( f9d+ "o ( ! t5ants murd]$4 ,!re 0 no miss+ ! place4 ,! hall _h be5 tak5 ov] by ! report]s1 :o _h e/abli%$ !mselves !re1 t]rible z an army ) conceal$ pads & p5cils4 ,f "o ( ! morn+ m5 already !re ,i le>n$ t our old fri5d ,dr4 ,leslie1 ! coron]1 0 already 9 *>ge4 ,someh[1 :e!r x 0 ?r\gh ,k5n$y's acqua9tance ) ,dr4 ,leslie or ,norton's acqua9tance ) ! ,m5dozas & ! ,spani% tongue1 we f\nd ourselves beyond ! b>ri] ( ! door :i* %ut out my rivals4 ,z we /ood = a mom5t 9 a h&some & ta/efully furni%$ liv+ room a "y lady pass$ ?r\gh hurri$ly4 ,%e paus$ 9 ! middle ( ! room z %e saw u & ey$ u tremul\sly1 z ?\gh to ask u :y we _h intrud$4 ,x 0 a r awkw>d situation4 ,quickly ,norton came to ! rescue4 ,i hope y w p>don me1 ,s5orita1 he b[$ 9 p]fect ,spani%1 b-- ,oh1 ,pr(essor ,norton1 x is y6 %e cri$ 9 ,engli%1 recogniz+ him4 ,i'm s n]v\s t ,i didn't see y at fir/4 ,%e glanc$ f him to u1 inquir+ly4 ,i recollect$ t my editor _h m5tion$ a daught] :o might prove to be an int]e/+ & important figure 9 ! my/]y4 ,%e spoke 9 an ov]wr\ght1 agitat$ tone4 ,i /udi$ h] furtively4 ,inez de ,m5doza 0 unmi/akably beautiful1 ( ! d>k ,spani% type1 ) s(t br[n eyes t appeal$ to "o :5 %e talk$1 & a figure :i* at any less tragic mom5t "o might h be5 p>don$ = admir+4 ,h] s(t olive sk91 masses ( d>k hair1 & lu/r\s1 almo/ voluptu\s1 eyes contra/$ wond]fully ) ! f9ely *isell$ l9es ( h] nose1 ! firm *91 & graceful ?roat & neck4 ,"h "o recogniz$ a girl ( "* & family 9 ! dep?s ( ^: s\l sm\ld]$ all ! passion ( a fi]y race4 ,i hope y w p>don me = intrud+1 ,norton repeat$4 ,believe me1 x is n ) m]e idle curiosity4 ,let me introduce my fri5d1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 ! sci5tific detective1 ( :om y h he>d1 no d\bt4 ,?is is 8 assi/ant1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 ( ! ,/>4 ,i ?\ght p]haps !y might /& betwe5 y & t cr[d 9 ! hall1 he add$1 motion+ t[>d ! report]s on ! o!r side ( ! door4 ,y c tru/ !m absolutely4 ,i'm sure t if !re is any?+ any ( u c d to aid y 9--9 y\r tr\ble1 y may be sure t we are at y\r s]vice4 ,%e look$ ab\t a mom5t 9 ! pres5ce ( ?ree /rang]s :o _h invad$ ! quietness ( :at _h be51 at lea/ tempor>ily1 home4 ,%e seem$ to be seek+ "s "o on :om to lean1 z ?\gh "s support _h sudd5ly be5 knock$ f "u h]1 leav+ h] daz$ at ! *ange4 ,oh1 madre de ,dios6 %e cri$4 ,:at %all ,i d8 ,oh1 my fa!r--my poor fa!r6 ,inez ,m5doza 0 really a pa!tic & appeal+ figure z %e /ood !re 9 ! room1 alone4 ,quickly %e look$ u ov]1 z if1 by "s sort ( occult intuition ( woman1 %e 7 read+ our s\ls4 ,!n1 in/9ctively almo/1 %e turn$ to ,k5n$y4 ,k5n$y seem$ to recognize h] ne$4 ,norton & ,i retir$1 some:at m ?an figuratively4 ,y--y are a detective8 %e qu]i$4 ,y c read my/]y--l a book8 ,k5n$y smil$ enc\rag+ly4 ,h>dly z my fri5d ,walt] "h (t5 pa9ts me1 he return$4 ,/ill1 n[ & !n1 we are able to use ! va/ k ( wise m5 ! _w ov] to help ^? 9 tr\ble4 ,tell me--ev]y?+1 he soo!d1 z ?\gh kn[+ t to talk w\ld prove a safety-valve = h] p5t-up emotions4 ,p]haps ,i c help y4 ,= a mom5t %e did n "k :at to d4 ,!n1 almo/ be=e %e knew x1 app>5tly1 %e began to talk to him1 =gett+ t we 7 9 ! room4 ,tell me h[ ! ?+ happ5$1 all t y "k1 h[ y f\nd x out1 prompt$ ,craig4 ,oh1 x 0 midnight1 la/ night2 yes1 late1 %e return$ wildly4 ,i 0 sleep+ :5 my maid1 ,juanita1 wak5$ me & told me t ,mr4 ,lockwood 0 9 ! liv+ room & want$ to see me1 mu/ see me4 ,i dress$ hurri$ly1 = x came to me t some?+ mu/ be ! matt]4 ,i ?9k ,i mu/ h come out soon] ?an !y expect$1 = be=e !y knew x ,i _h run across ! liv+ room & look$ ?r\gh ! door into ! d51 y call x1 ov] !re4 ,%e po9t$ at a heavy door1 b did n1 evid5tly c\ld n1 let h] eyes re/ on x4 ,!re 0 my fa!r1 huddl$ 9 a *air1 & blood _h run out f an ugly w\nd 9 8 side4 ,i scream$ & fell on my knees beside him4 ,b1 %e %udd]$1 x 0 too late4 ,he 0 cold4 ,he did n answ]4 ,k5n$y said no?+1 b let h] weep into h] da9ty lace h&k]*ief1 ?\gh ! impulse 0 /rong to d any?+ to calm h] grief4 ,mr4 ,lockwood _h come 9 to visit him on bus9ess1 _h f\nd ! door into ! hall op51 & ent]$4 ,no "o seem$ to be ab\t2 b ! lights 7 burn+4 ,he w5t on into ! d54 ,!re 0 my fa!r-- ,%e /opp$1 & c\ld n g on at all = sev]al m9utes4 ,& ,mr4 ,lockwood1 :o is he8 ask$ ,craig g5tly4 ,my fa!r & ,i1 we h be5 9 ?is c\ntry only a %ort "t1 %e repli$1 try+ to speak 9 good ,engli% 9 spite ( h] emotion1 ) 8 p>tn] 9 a--a m9+ v5ture--,mr4 ,lockwood4 ,%e paus$ aga9 & hesitat$1 z ?\gh 9 ?is /range l& ( ! nor? %e _h no idea ( :i* way to turn = help4 ,b once />t$1 n[1 %e did n /op aga94 ,oh1 %e w5t on passionately1 ,i don't "k :at x 0 t came ov] my fa!r4 ,b lately he _h be5 a *ang$ man4 ,sometimes ,i ?\ght he 0--:at y call--mad4 ,i %\ld h gone to see a doctor ab\t him1 %e add$ wildly1 h] feel+s gett+ ! bett] ( h]4 ,b x is no long] a case = a doctor4 ,x is a case = a detective--= "s "o :o is m ?an a detective4 ,y _c br+ him back1 b-- ,%e c\ld n g on4 ,yet h] brok5 s5t5ce spoke volumes1 9 h] plead+1 s(t1 musical voice1 :i* 0 f> m pleas+ to ! e> ?an t ( ! usual ,lat9-,am]ican4 ,i _h he>d t ! wom5 ( ,lima 7 fam$ = _! beauty & melodi\s voices4 ,s5orita ,inez surely upheld _! reputation4 ,!re 0 an appeal+ look n[ 9 h] s(t deep-br[n eyes1 & h] ?91 delicate lips trembl$ z %e hurri$ on ) h] /range /ory4 ,i nev] saw my fa!r 9 su* a /ate be=e1 %e murmur$4 ,= days all he _h talk$ ab\t 0 ! 'big fi%1' ! peje gr&e1 :atev] t might mean--& ! curse ( ,mansi*e4 ,! recollection ( ! pa/ few days seem$ to be too mu* = h]4 ,almo/ be=e we knew x1 be=e ,norton1 :o _h />t$ to ask h] a "q1 c\ld speak1 %e excus$ h]self & fl$ f ! room1 leav+ only ! indelible impression ( lovel9ess & ! appeal = help t 0 irresi/ible4 ,k5n$y turn$ to ,norton4 ,b j !n ! door to ! d5 op5$ & we saw our fri5d ,dr4 ,leslie4 ,he saw u1 too1 & took a few /eps 9 our direction4 ,:at--y "h1 ,k5n$y8 he greet$ 9 surprise z ,craig %ook h&s & introduc$ ,norton4 ,& ,jameson1 too8 ,well1 ,i ?9k y've f\nd a case at la/ t w baffle y4 ,z we talk$ he l$ ! way across ! liv+ room & into ! d5 f :i* he _h j come4 ,x is v /range1 he said1 tell+ at once all t he _h be5 able to discov]4 ,s5or ,m5doza 0 discov]$ "h ab\t midnight la/ night by 8 p>tn]1 ,mr4 ,lockwood4 ,!re seem to be no clues to h[ or by :om he 0 murd]$4 ,no locks _h be5 brok54 ,i h exam9$ ! hall-boy :o 0 "h la/ night4 ,he seems to be (f 8 po/ a good deal :5 x is late4 ,he saw ,mr4 ,lockwood come 91 & took him 9 ! elevator up to ! six? floor4 ,aft] t we c f9d no?+ b ! op5 door into ! ap>tm5t4 ,x is n at all impossible t "s "o might h come 9 :5 ! boy 0 (f 8 po/1 h walk$ up1 ev5 h walk$ d[n1 ! /airs aga94 ,9 fact1 x mu/ h be5 t way4 ,no w9d[s1 n ev5 on ! fire-escape1 h be5 tamp]$ )4 ,9 fact1 ! murd] mu/ h be5 done by "s "o admitt$ to ! ap>tm5t late by ,m5doza himself4 ,we walk$ ov] to ! c\* on :i* lay ! body cov]$ by a %eet4 ,dr4 ,leslie drew d[n ! %eet4 ,on ! face 0 a mo/ awful look1 a t]rible />e & contortion ( ! features1 & a deep1 almo/ purple1 discoloration4 ,! muscles 7 all t5se & rigid4 ,i %all nev] =get t face & its look1 half ( pa91 half ( fe>1 z if ( some?+ nameless4 ,m5doza _h be5 a heavy-set man1 ^: pi]c+ black eyes beetl$ =?1 9 life1 f "u bu%y br[s4 ,ev5 9 dea?1 b>r+ t horrible look1 he 0 r di/+ui%$-look+1 & 8 close-cropp$ hair & m\/a*e set him (f z a man ( affairs & consequ5ce 9 8 own c\ntry4 ,mo/ peculi>1 ,k5n$y1 reit]at$ ,dr4 ,leslie1 po9t+ to ! brea/4 ,y see t w\nd8 ,i c't q det]m9e :e!r t 0 ! real cause ( dea? or n4 ,( c\rse1 x's a bad w\nd1 x's true4 ,b !re seems to be some?+ else "h1 too4 ,look at ! pupils ( 8 eyes1 h[ contract$ !y are4 ,! lungs seem conge/$1 too4 ,he has all ! m>ks ( hav+ be5 asphyxiat$4 ,yet !re are no indications on 8 ?roat ( viol5ce su* z w\ld be necess>y if t 7 ! case4 ,!re c\ld h be5 no su* ?+ z illum9at+ gas1 nor h we f\nd any trace ( any receptacles :i* might h held poison4 ,i c't seem to make x out4 ,k5n$y b5t ov] ! body & look$ at x att5tively = sev]al m9utes1 :ile we /ood back ( him1 sc>cely utt]+ a ^w 9 ! pres5ce ( ?is t]rible ?+4 ,deftly ,k5n$y manag$ to extract a few drops ( blood f ab\t ! w\nd & transf] !m to a v small te/-tube :i* he c>ri$ 9 a little em]g5cy pocket-case 9 ord] to pres]ve mat]ial = future /udy4 ,y say ! dagg] 0 triangul>1 ,norton8 he ask$ f9ally1 )\t look+ up f 8 m9ute exam9ation4 ,yes1 ) ano!r blade t %ot out automatically :5 y knew ! secret ( press+ ! hilt 9 a c]ta9 way4 ,! outside triangul> blade sep>at$ into ?ree to all[ an inn] blade to %oot out4 ,k5n$y _h ris5 &1 z ,norton describ$ ! ,inca dagg]1 look$ f "o to ! o!r ( u ke5ly4 ,t blade 0 poison$1 he conclud$ quietly4 ,we h a clue to y\r miss+ dagg]4 ,m5doza 0 murd]$ by x6 ,,ii ,,! ,,soldi] ,,( ,,=tune ,i %\ld l to h ano!r talk ) ,s5orita ,inez1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 a few m9utes lat]1 z ) ,dr4 ,leslie & ,pr(essor ,norton we turn$ into ! liv+ room & clos$ ! door to ! d54 ,:ile ,norton volunte]$ to s5d "o ( ! s]vants 9 to see :e!r ! "y lady 0 able to /& ! /ra9 ( ano!r int]view1 ,dr4 ,leslie receiv$ a hurry call to ano!r case4 ,y'll let me "k1 ,k5n$y1 if y discov] any?+8 he ask$1 %ak+ h&s ) u4 ,i %all keep y in=m$1 also1 f my end4 ,t poison completely baffles me--s f>4 ,y "k1 we might z well "w toge!r4 ,assur$ly1 agre$ ,craig1 z ! coron] left4 ,t1 he add$ to me1 z ! door clos$1 0 "o ^w = me & two = himself4 ,i c d ! "w2 he wants to save 8 (ficial face4 ,he nev] w "k :at t poison 0--until ,i tell him4 ,inez _h by ?is "t s f> recov]$ h] composure t %e 0 able to meet u aga9 9 ! liv+ room4 ,i'm v sorry to h to tr\ble y aga91 apologiz$ ,k5n$y1 b if ,i am to get any:]e 9 ?is case ,i mu/ h ! facts4 ,%e look$ at him1 half-puzzl$1 &1 ,i fanci$1 half-fright5$1 too4 ,any?+ ,i c tell y--( c\rse1 ask me1 %e said4 ,_h y\r fa!r any enemies :o might desire 8 dea?8 %ot out ,k5n$y1 almo/ )\t w>n+4 ,no1 %e answ]$ sl[ly1 /ill wat*+ him c>efully1 !n add+ ha/ily3 ,( c\rse1 y "k1 no "o :o tries to d any?+ is absolutely )\t enemies1 ?\gh4 ,i mean1 repeat$ ,craig1 c>efully not+ a c]ta9 hesitation 9 h] tone1 0 !re any "o :o1 = reasons be/ kn[n to himself1 might h murd]$ him 9 a way peculi>ly likely "u ! circum/ances1 say1 ) a dagg]8 ,inez fla%$ a quick glance at ,k5n$y1 z if to inquire j h[ mu* or h[ little he really knew4 ,i got ! impression f x1 at lea/1 t %e 0 hold+ back "s suspicion = a reason t p]haps %e w\ld n ev5 h admitt$ to h]self4 ,i saw t ,norton 0 also foll[+ ! l9e ( ,k5n$y's que/ion+ ke5ly1 ?\gh he said no?+4 ,be=e ,k5n$y c\ld take up ! lead aga91 h] maid1 ,juanita1 a v pretty girl ( ,spani% & ,indian desc5t1 ent]$ s(tly4 ,mr4 ,lockwood1 %e :isp]$1 b n s l[ t we c\ld n he>4 ,won't y ask him to come 91 ,nita8 %e repli$4 ,a mom5t lat] a "y man pu%$ op5 ! door--a tall1 clean-cut "y fell[1 ^: face bore ! tan ( a sun mu* /rong] ?an any ab\t ,new ,york4 ,z ,i took 8 appraisal1 ,i f\nd him unmi/akably ( ! type ( ,am]ican soldi] ( =tune :o has be5 c>ri$ by ! w&]-_s d[n among ! romantic republics to ! s\? ( our own4 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 began ,s5orita ,m5doza1 pres5t+ u all 9 turn1 let me introduce ,mr4 ,lockwood1 my fa!r's p>tn] 9 sev]al v5tures :i* br\ght u to ,new ,york4 ,z we %ook h&s ,i c\ld n help feel+ t ! "y m9+ eng9e]1 = su* he prov$ to be by o/5sible pr(ession1 0 some?+ m to h] ?an a m]e p>tn] 9 h] fa!r's s*emes4 ,i believe ,i've met ,pr(essor ,norton1 he rem>k$1 z !y %ook h&s4 ,p]haps he rememb]s :5 we 7 9 ,lima4 ,p]fectly1 repli$ ,norton1 return+ ! p5etrat+ glance 9 k9d4 ,also 9 ,new ,york1 he add$4 ,lockwood turn$ abruptly4 ,are y q sure y are able to /& ! /ra9 ( ?is int]view8 he ask$ ,inez 9 a l[ tone4 ,norton glanc$ at ,k5n$y & rais$ 8 eyebr[s j ! fraction ( an in*1 z if to call att5tion to ! neat mann] 9 :i* ,lockwood _h turn$ ! subject4 ,inez smil$ sadly4 ,i mu/1 %e said1 9 a =c$ tone4 ,i fanci$ t ,lockwood not$ & did n reli% an air ( re/ra9t 9 h] words4 ,x 0 y1 ,i believe1 ,mr4 ,lockwood1 :o f\nd ,s5or ,m5doza la/ night8 qu]i$ ,k5n$y1 z if to read ! answ] into ! record1 al?\gh he already knew x4 ,yes1 repli$ ,lockwood1 )\t hesitation1 ?\gh ) a glance at ! av]t$ head ( ,inez1 & *oos+ 8 words v c>efully1 z if try+ h>d n to say m ?an %e c\ld be>4 ,yes4 ,i came up "h to report on "s f9ancial matt]s :i* int]e/$ bo? ( u1 v late1 p]haps aft] midnight4 ,i 0 ab\t to press ! buzz] on ! door :5 ,i saw t ! door 0 slightly aj>4 ,i op5$ x & f\nd lights /ill burn+4 ,! re/ ,i ?9k y mu/ already "k4 ,ev5 t tactful ref]5ce to ! trag$y 0 too mu* = ,inez4 ,%e suppress$ a little convulsive sob1 b did n1 ?is "t1 try to flee f ! room4 ,y saw no?+ ab\t ! d5 t ar\s$ any suspicions8 pursu$ ,k5n$y4 ,no bottle1 no glass8 ,!re wasn't ! od\r ( any gas or drug8 ,lockwood %ook 8 head sl[ly1 fix+ 8 eyes on ,k5n$y's face1 b n look+ at him4 ,no1 he answ]$2 ,i h told ,dr4 ,leslie j :at ,i f\nd4 ,if !re _h be5 any?+ else ,i'm sure ,i w\ld h notic$ x :ile ,i 0 wait+ = ,miss ,inez to come 94 ,8 answ]s seem$ p]fectly frank & /raight-=w>d4 ,yet someh[ ,i c\ld n get ov] ! feel+ t he1 z well z ,inez1 0 n tell+ q all he knew--p]haps n ab\t ! murd]1 b ab\t matt]s t might be relat$ to x4 ,norton evid5tly felt ! same way4 ,y saw no weapon--a dagg]8 he int]rupt$ sudd5ly4 ,! "y man fac$ ,norton squ>ely4 ,to me x seem$ z if he _h be5 expect+ ! "q4 ,n a ?+1 he said delib]ately4 ,i look$ ab\t c>efully1 too4 ,:atev] weapon 0 us$ mu/ h be5 tak5 away by ! murd]]1 he add$4 ,juanita ent]$ aga91 & ,inez excus$ h]self to answ] ! telephone1 :ile we /ood 9 ! liv+ room *att+ = a few m9utes4 ,:at is ?is 'curse ( ,mansi*e' :i* ! ,s5orita has m5tion$8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 see+ a *ance to op5 a new l9e ( inquiry ) ,lockwood4 ,oh1 ,i don't "k1 he return$1 impati5tly flick+ ! a%es ( a cig>ette :i* he _h light$ ! mom5t ,inez left ! room1 z ?\gh su* /ories _h no int]e/ = ! practical m9d ( an eng9e]4 ,"s old sup]/ition1 ,i suppose4 ,lockwood seem$ to reg>d ,norton ) a sort ( av]sion1 if n ho/ility1 & ,i fanci$ t ,norton1 on 8 "p1 neglect$ no opportunity to let ! o!r "k t he 0 wat*+ him4 ,i don't "k mu* ab\t ! /ory1 resum$ ,lockwood a mom5t lat] z no "o said any?+4 ,b ,i d "k t !re is treasure 9 t great old ,*imu m\nd ne> ,truxillo4 ,don ,luis has ! gov]nm5t concession to bore into ! m\nd1 too1 & we are rais+ ! capital to c>ry ! s*eme ?r\gh to success4 ,he _h come to ! end ( a s5t5ce4 ,yet ! inflection ( 8 voice %[$ pla9ly t x 0 n ! end ( ! idea t _h be5 9 8 m9d4 ,if y knew :]e to dig1 sudd5ly suppli$ ,norton1 gaz+ ke5ly into ! eyes ( ! soldi] ( =tune4 ,lockwood did n answ]1 ?\gh x 0 evid5t t t _h be5 ! ?\ght unexpress$ 9 8 rem>ks4 ,! return ( ! ,s5orita to ! room seem$ to break ! t5sion4 ,x 0 ! h\se telephone1 %e said1 9 a quiet voice4 ,! hall-boy didn't "k :e!r to admit a visitor :o comes ) 8 sympa?y4 ,!n %e turn$ f u to ,lockwood4 ,y mu/ "k him1 %e said1 some:at emb>rass$4 ,s5or ,alfonso de ,mo*e4 ,lockwood suppress$ a fr[n1 b said no?+1 =1 a mom5t lat]1 a "y man came 94 ,almo/ 9 sil5ce he advanc$ to ,inez & took h] h& 9 a mann] t pla9ly %[$ 8 sympa?y 9 h] b]eavem5t4 ,i h j he>d1 he said simply1 & ,i ha/5$ ar\nd to tell y h[ mu* ,i feel y\r loss4 ,if !re is any?+ ,i c d-- ,he /opp$1 & did n f9i% ! s5t5ce4 ,x 0 unnecess>y4 ,8 eyes f9i%$ x = him4 ,alfonso de ,mo*e 01 ,i ?\ght1 a v h&some fell[1 ?\gh n ( ! ,spani% type at all4 ,8 =ehead 0 high1 ) a %ock ( /raight black hair1 8 sk9 r copp]-col\r$1 nose slightly aquil9e1 *9 & m\? firm2 9 fact1 ! :ole face 0 ref9$ & intellectual1 ?\gh t+$ ) melan*oly4 ,?ank y1 %e murmur$1 !n turn$ to u4 ,i believe y are acqua9t$ ) ,mr4 de ,mo*e1 ,pr(essor ,norton8 %e ask$4 ,y "k he is tak+ po/-graduate "w at ! ,univ]sity4 ,slightly1 return$ ,norton1 gaz+ at ! "y man 9 a mann] t pla9ly disconc]t$ him4 ,i believe ,i h met 8 "m 9 ,p]u4 ,s5orita ,m5doza seem$ to col\r at ! m5tion ( ,s5ora de ,mo*e4 ,x fla%$ ov] me t1 9 8 greet+ ,alfonso _h said no?+ ( 8 "m4 ,i wond]$ if !re might be a reason = x4 ,c\ld x be t ,s5orita ,m5doza _h "s antipa?y :i* did n include ! son8 ,?\gh we did n seem to be mak+ mu* progress 9 ?is way 9 solv+ ! my/]y1 /ill ,i felt t be=e we c\ld g ahead we mu/ "k ! little gr\p ab\t :i* x c5tr$4 ,!re seem$ to be curr5ts & cross-curr5ts "h :i* we did n und]/&1 b :i* mu/ be *>t$ if we 7 to /e] a /raight c\rse4 ,& ,pr(essor ,k5n$y8 %e add$1 turn+ to u4 ,i ?9k ,i h se5 ,mr4 de ,mo*e ab\t ! campus1 said ,craig1 z ,i1 too1 %ook h&s ) him1 al?\gh y are n 9 any ( my classes4 ,no1 ,pr(essor1 concurr$ ! "y man1 :o 01 h[ev]1 consid]ably old] ?an ! av]age /ud5t tak+ c\rses l 84 ,i f\nd x q en\gh to wat* ! faces ( ^? ab\t me j !n4 ,betwe5 ,lockwood & de ,mo*e x seem$ t !re exi/$ a lat5t ho/ility4 ,! two ey$ ea* o!r ) decid$ disfav\r4 ,z = ,norton1 he seem$ to be alt]nately wat*+ ea* ( !m4 ,an awkw>d sil5ce foll[$1 & de ,mo*e seem$ to take ! cue1 = aft] a few m rem>ks to ,inez he )drew z gracefully z he c\ld1 ) a p>t+ int]*ange ( frigid =malities ) ,lockwood4 ,x did n take mu* ( a detective to d$uce t bo? ( ! "y m5 might h agre$ on "o ?+1 ?\gh t caus$ ! mo/ s]i\s ( diff]5ces betwe5 !m--_! e/imation ( ,inez de ,m5doza4 ,inez1 on h] "p1 seem$ also to be visibly reliev$ at 8 dep>ture1 ?\gh %e _h be5 cordial en\gh to him4 ,i wond]$ :at x all meant4 ,lockwood1 too1 seem$ to be ill at ease /ill4 ,b x 0 a diff]5t uneas9ess1 r direct$ at ,norton ?an at u4 ,once be=e ,i _h ?\ght he 0 on ! po9t ( excus+ himself1 b ! entrance ( de ,mo*e seem$ to h decid$ him to /ay at lea/ z long z 8 rival4 ,i beg y\r p>don1 ,s5orita1 he n[ apologiz$1 b ,i really mu/ g4 ,!re are /ill "s affairs :i* ,i mu/ att5d to 9 ord] to protect ! int]e/s we repres5t4 ,he turn$ to u4 ,y w excuse me1 ,i "k1 he add$1 b ,i h a v important appo9tm5t4 ,y "k ,don ,luis & ,i 7 assi/+ 9 organiz+ ! campaign ( ,/u>t ,:itney to int]e/ ,am]ican manufactur]s1 & p>ticul>ly bank]s1 9 ! *ances 9 ,s\? ,am]ica :i* lie at h&1 if we are only awake to take advantage ( !m4 ,i %all be at y\r s]vice1 ,s5orita1 z soon z ! meet+ is ov]4 ,i presume ,i %all see y aga98 he nodd$ to ,k5n$y4 ,q likely1 return$ ,k5n$y drily4 ,if !re is any assi/ance ,i c r5d] 9 cle>+ up ?is dreadful ?+1 w5t on ,lockwood1 9 a l[] tone to u1 y may c\nt on me absolutely4 ,?ank y1 return$ ,craig1 ) a significant glance4 ,i may h to take up t (f]4 ,d s1 by all means1 he reit]at$1 b[+ to ,norton & back+ out ( ! door4 ,alone aga9 ) ,inez ,m5doza1 ,k5n$y turn$ sudd5ly4 ,:o is ?is ,s5or de ,mo*e8 he ask$4 ,i ga!r t y mu/ h kn[n him 9 ,p]u4 ,yes1 %e agre$4 ,i knew him 9 ,lima2 !n add+1 z if by way ( confession1 :5 he 0 a /ud5t at ! ,univ]sity4 ,!re 0 some?+ 9 bo? h] tone & mann] t w\ld lead "o to believe t %e _h only ! k9dlie/ feel+s t[>d de ,mo*e1 :atev] might be ! case1 z x seem$1 ) 8 "m4 ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y n[ advanc$ & took ,s5orita ,inez by ! h&4 ,i mu/ g n[1 he said simply4 ,if !re is any?+ :i* y h n told me1 ,i %\ld l to "k4 ,no--no?+1 %e answ]$4 ,he did n take 8 eyes f h]s4 ,if y %\ld recall any?+ else1 he p]si/$1 don't hesitate to tell me4 ,i w come "h1 or y may come to ! laboratory1 :i*ev] is m conv5i5t4 ,i %all d s1 %e repli$4 ,& ?ank y a ?\s& times = ! tr\ble y are go+ to 9 my behalf4 ,y may be sure t ,i appreciate x4 ,norton also bade h] f>ewell1 & %e ?ank$ him = hav+ br\ght u ov]4 ,i notic$ also t ,norton1 ?\gh consid]ably old] ?an any ( u1 _h app>5tly succumb$ to ! spell ( h] wond]ful eyes & face4 ,i also w\ld be glad to help y1 he promis$4 ,y c usually f9d me at ! ,museum4 ,?ank y all1 %e murmur$4 ,y are all s k9d to me4 ,an h\r ago ,i felt t ,i _h n a fri5d 9 all ?is big city--except ,mr4 ,lockwood4 ,n[ ,i feel t ,i am n q all alone4 ,%e said x to ,norton1 b x 0 really meant = ,k5n$y4 ,i "k ,craig %>$ my own feel+s4 ,x 0 a r>e pleasure to "w = h]4 ,%e seem$ mo/ appreciative ( any?+ t 0 done = h] 9 h] def5celess position4 ,z we pass$ out ( ! ap>tm5t h\se & s\ght our cab aga91 ,k5n$y 0 ! fir/ to speak1 & to ,norton4 ,d y "k any?+ m ab\t ^! m51 ,lockwood & de ,mo*e8 he qu]i$1 z we sp$ upt[n4 ,i don't "k a ?+1 he repli$ cauti\sly4 ,i--,i'd mu* pref] n to talk ( suspicions4 ,b ! dagg]1 insi/$ ,k5n$y4 ,h y no suspicions ( :at became ( x & :o took x8 ,i'd pref] n to talk ( m]e suspicions1 he repeat$4 ,little 0 said z we turn$ 9 at ! campus & at la/ drew up be=e ,norton's w+ ( ! ,museum4 ,y w let me "k ( any developm5t1 no matt] h[ trivial8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 z we p>t$4 ,y\r dagg] seems to h /irr$ up m tr\ble ?an !re 0 any reason to suppose :5 y came to me fir/4 ,i %\ld say s1 he agre$4 ,i don't "k h[ to repay ! int]e/ y h %[n 9 its recov]y4 ,if any?+ else mat]ializes1 ,i %all surely get ^w to y imm$iately4 ,z we turn$ to leave1 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ ( ! mann] ( ,lockwood & ,norton t[>d ea* o!r4 ,! "n ,/u>t ,:itney ran ?r\gh my head4 ,/u>t ,:itney 0 a tru/ee ( ! ,univ]sity :o _h contribut$ heavily1 among o!r ?+s1 to ,norton's v>i\s exp$itions to ,s\? ,am]ica4 ,0 x t ,norton felt a peculi> loyalty to ,:itney1 or 0 he jeal\s t any "o else %\ld succe$ 9 int]e/+ 8 patron 9 ?+s ,s\? ,am]ican8 ,! actions ( ! two "y m51 ,lockwood & de ,mo*e1 recurr$ to me4 ,well1 ,i rem>k$1 z we walk$ along1 :at d y ?9k x is--a romance or a simple crime-hunt8 ,bo?1 ,i suspect1 repli$ ,craig ab/ract$ly4 ,only n simple4 ,,iii ,,! ,,ar*aeological ,,detective ,i ?9k ,i'll g into ! ,univ]sity ,libr>y1 ,craig rem>k$1 z we left ,norton be=e 8 build+4 ,i want to refre% my m9d on "s ( ^? old ,p]uvian antiquities & traditions4 ,:at ! ,s5orita h9t$ at may prove to be v important4 ,i suppose y w h to turn 9 a /ory to ! ,/> soon8 ,yes1 ,i agre$1 ,i'll h to turn 9 some?+1 al?\gh ,i'd pref] to wait4 ,try to get an assignm5t to foll[ ! case to ! end1 sugge/$ ,craig4 ,i ?9k y'll f9d x wor? :ile4 ,anyh[1 ?is w give y a *ance = a brea?+ space1 &1 if ,i h ?is ?+ dop$ out "r1 y won't get ano!r = "s "t4 ,i'll meet y ov] 9 ! laboratory 9 a c\ple ( h\rs4 ,craig hurri$ up ! long flight ( :ite-m>ble /eps to ! libr>y & disappe>$1 :ile ,i jump$ on ! subway & ran d[nt[n to ! (fice4 ,x took me1 z ,i knew x w\ld1 consid]ably ov] a c\ple ( h\rs to cle> ?+s up at ! ,/>1 s t ,i c\ld take advantage ( a special arrangem5t :i* ,i _h made1 s t ,i c\ld1 :5 a case w>rant$ x1 co-op]ate ) ,k5n$y4 ,my /ory 0 necess>ily brief1 b t 0 :at ,i want$ j n[4 ,i did n propose to h ! :ole field ( special-feature writ]s camp+ on my pres]ve4 ,upt[n ,i hurri$ aga91 afraid t ,k5n$y _h f9i%$ & might h be5 call$ away4 ,b :5 ,i rea*$ ! laboratory he 0 n !re1 & ,i f\nd t he _h n be54 ,up & d[n ,i pac$ re/lessly4 ,!re 0 no?+ else to d b wait4 ,if he 0 unable to keep 8 appo9tm5t "h ) me1 ,i knew t he w\ld soon telephone4 ,:at 0 x1 ,i wond]$1 t kept him delv+ into ! ar*aeological lore ( ! libr>y8 ,i _h ab\t giv5 him up1 :5 he hurri$ into ! laboratory 9 a high /ate ( excitem5t4 ,:at did y f9d8 ,i qu]i$4 ,has any?+ happ5$8 ,let me tell y fir/ :at ,i f\nd 9 ! libr>y1 he repli$1 tilt+ 8 hat back on 8 head & alt]nately ?ru/+ & )draw+ 8 f+]s 9 8 wai/coat pockets1 z if 9 "s way t might help him to piece toge!r "s scatt]$ fragm5ts ( a /ory :i* he _h j pick$ up4 ,i've be5 look+ up t h9t t ! ,s5orita dropp$ :5 %e us$ ^? words peje gr&e1 :i* mean1 lit]ally1 'big fi%1' he resum$4 ,walt]1 x fires ! imag9ation4 ,y h read ( ! weal? t ,piz>ro f\nd 9 ,p]u1 ( c\rse4 ,visions ( ,prescott fla%$ ?r\gh my m9d z he spoke4 ,well1 :]e are ! gold & silv] ( ! conqui/adores8 ,gone to ! melt+-pot1 c5turies ago4 ,b is !re none left8 ,! ,indians 9 ,p]u believe s1 at any rate4 ,&1 ,walt]1 !re are p]sons :o w\ld /op at no?+ to get at ! secret4 ,x is a matt] ( hi/ory t soon aft] ! conque/ a va/ =tune 0 une>!d ( :i* ! ,k+ ( ,spa9's fif? am\nt$ to five million doll>s4 ,t treasure 0 kn[n z ! peje *ica--! little fi%4 ,"o v]sion ( ! /ory tells t an ,inca rul]1 ! great ,cacique ,mansi*e1 _h obs]v$ ) p>ticul> att5tion ! k9dness ( a "y ,spani>d t[>d ! p ( ! conqu]$ race4 ,also1 he _h obs]v$ t ! man 0 comp>atively poor4 ,at any rate1 he reveal$ ! secret ( ! hid+-place ( ! peje *ica1 on condition t a "p ( ! weal? %\ld be us$ to advance ! int]e/s ( ! ,indians4 ,! mo/ valuable article discov]$ 0 9 ! =m ( a fi% ( solid gold & s l>ge t ! ,spani>ds consid]$ x a r>e prize4 ,b ! ,cacique assur$ 8 "y fri5d t x 0 only ! little fi%1 t a mu* great] treasure exi/$1 wor? _m times ! value ( ?is "o4 ,! sequel ( ! /ory is t ! ,spani>d =got 8 promise1 w5t (f to ,spa91 & sp5t all 8 gold4 ,he 0 return+ = ! peje gr&e1 ( :i* he _h made great boa/s1 b be=e he c\ld get x he 0 kill$4 ,prescott1 ,i believe1 gives ano!r v]sion1 9 :i* he says t ! ,spani>d devot$ a l>ge "p ( 8 weal? to ! relief ( ! ,indians & gave l>ge sums to ! ,p]uvian *ur*es4 ,o!r /ories d5y t x 0 ,mansi*e :o told ! fir/ secret1 b t x 0 ano!r ,indian4 ,"o may1 ,i suppose1 pay 8 money & take 8 *oice4 ,b ! po9t1 z f> z we are conc]n$ 9 ?is case1 is t !re is /ill believ$ to be ! great fi%1 :i* no "o has f\nd4 ,:o kn[s8 ,p]haps1 someh[1 ,m5doza _h ! secret ( ! peje gr&e8 ,k5n$y paus$1 & ,i c\ld feel ! t5se int]e/ ) :i* 8 delv+ into ! crumbl+ pa/ _h n[ end[$ ?is already fasc9at+ case4 ,& ! curse8 ,i put 94 ,ab\t t we d n "k1 he repli$4 ,except t we d "k t ,mansi*e 0 ! great ,cacique or rul] ( nor!rn ,p]u4 ,! natives are believ$ to h buri$ a f> great] treasure ?an ev5 t :i* ! ,spani>ds c>ri$ (f4 ,mansi*e is said to h left a curse on any native :o ev] divulg$ ! :]eab\ts ( ! treasure1 & ! curse 0 also to fall on any ,spani>d :o might discov] x4 ,t is all we "k--yet4 ,gold 0 us$ lavi%ly 9 ! temples4 ,t great ho>d is really ! ,gold ( ! ,gods4 ,surely1 z we h se5 x s f> 9 ?is case1 x mu/ be curs$4 ,!re 0 a knock on ! laboratory door1 & ,i sprang to op5 x1 expect+ to f9d t x 0 some?+ = ,k5n$y4 ,in/ead !re /ood "o ( ! (fice boys ( ! ,/>4 ,:y1 hello1 ,tommy1 ,i greet$ him4 ,:at seems to be ! matt] n[8 ,a lett] = y1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 he repli$1 h&+ ov] a pla9 envelope4 ,x came j aft] y left4 ,! ,boss ?\ght x might be important--some?+ ab\t t /ory1 ,i guess4 ,anyh[1 he told me to take x up to y on my way home1 sir4 ,i look$ at x aga94 ,x bore simply my "n & ! address ( ! ,/>1 n writt51 b1 /range to say1 pr9t$ 9 unga9ly1 r\gh *>act]s1 z ?\gh "s "o 7 ei!r n famili> ) writ+ ,engli% or desir$ to conceal 8 h&writ+4 ,:]e did x come f--& h[8 ,i ask$1 z ,i tore ! envelope op54 ,i don't "k :]e1 sir1 repli$ ,tommy4 ,a boy br\ght x4 ,said a man upt[n gave him a qu>t] to deliv] x to y4 ,i look$ at ! cont5ts 9 blank amazem5t4 ,!re 0 no?+ 9 ! lett] except a qu>t] %eet ( ord9>y size note pap] su* z t us$ 9 typewritt5 correspond5ce4 ,pr9t$ on x1 9 *>act]s exactly l ^? on ! outside ( ! envelope1 7 ! />tl+ words3 ,,bew>e ,,! ,,curse ,,( ,,mansi*e ,,on ,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods4 ,und]nea? ?is inscription appe>$ ! rude draw+ ( a dagg] 9 :i* "s ef=t _h evid5tly be5 made to make x appe> ?ree-sid$4 ,well1 ( all ?+s1 :at d y ?9k ( t8 ,i cri$1 toss+ ! ?+ ov] to ,k5n$y4 ,he took x & read x2 8 face puck]$ deeply4 ,i'm n surpris$1 he said1 a mom5t lat]1 look+ up4 ,d y "k1 ,i 0 j ab\t to tell y :at happ5$ at ! libr>y4 ,i _h a feel+ all ! "t ,i 0 !re ( be+ wat*$4 ,i don't "k :y or h[1 b1 someh[1 ,i felt t "s "o 0 int]e/$ 9 ! books ,i 0 read+4 ,x made me uncom=table4 ,i 0 late1 anyh[1 & ,i decid$ n to give !m ! satisfaction ( see+ me any m--at lea/ 9 ! libr>y4 ,s ,i h _h a numb] ( ! books on ,p]u :i* ,i want$ res]v$1 & !y'll be s5t ov] lat]1 "h4 ,no1 ,i'm n surpris$ t y receiv$ ?is4 ,w\ld y rememb] ! boy8 he ask$ ( ,tommy4 ,i ?9k s1 repli$ ,tommy4 ,he didn't h on a uni=m1 ?\gh4 ,x wasn't a mess5g]4 ,!re 0 no use to "q him fur!r4 ,he _h evid5tly told all t he knew1 & f9ally we _h to let him g1 ) a p>t+ injunction to keep 8 eyes op5 & 8 m\? %ut4 ,k5n$y cont9u$ to /udy ! note on ! qu>t] %eet ( pap] long aft] ! boy _h gone4 ,y "k1 he rem>k$ ?\ghtfully1 aft] a :ile1 z ne>ly z ,i c make ! ?+ out ) ! sl5d] in=mation t we h s f>1 ! weirde/ sup]/itions seem to clu/] ab\t t dagg] :i* ,norton lo/4 ,i w\ldn't be surpris$ if x took u f> back into ! dim pa/ ( ! b>b>ic spl5d\r ( ! lo/ ,inca civilization ( ,p]u4 ,he wav$ ! %eet ( pap] = emphasis4 ,y see1 "s "o has us$ x "h z a sign ( t]ror4 ,p]haps someh[ x bore ! secret ( ! big fi%--:o kn[s8 ,none ( ! writ]s & explor]s h ev] f\nd x4 ,! mo/ !y c say is t x may be h&$ d[n f fa!r to son ?r\gh a long l9e4 ,at any rate1 ! secret ( ! hid+-place seems to h be5 safely kept4 ,no "o has ev] f\nd ! treasure4 ,x w\ld be /range1 w\ldn't x1 if x rema9$ = "s tw5tie?-c5tury civiliz$ man to une>? ! ?+ & />t aga9 ! curse t hi/orians say 0 utt]$ & seems always to h foll[$ ! ?+8 ,k5n$y1 ?is affair is gett+ on my n]ves already4 ,:ile ,craig 0 speak+ ! door ( ! laboratory _h op5$ )\t our he>+ x1 & !re /ood ,norton aga94 ,he _h wait$ until ,craig _h f9i%$ be=e he _h spok54 ,we look$ at him1 />tl$1 ourselves4 ,i _h "s "w to d aft] ,i left y1 w5t on ,norton1 )\t /opp+4 ,9 my lett]-box 7 sev]al lett]s1 b ,i =got to look at !m until j n[1 :5 ,i 0 leav+4 ,!n ,i pick$ !m up--&--look at ?is ?+ t 0 among !m4 ,norton laid d[n on ! laboratory table a pla9 envelope & a qu>t] %eet ( pap] on :i* 7 pr9t$1 except = 8 own "n in/ead ( m9e1 an almo/ exact replica ( ! note :i* ,i _h receiv$4 ,,bew>e ,,! ,,curse ,,( ,,mansi*e ,,on ,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods4 ,k5n$y & ,i look$ at him4 ,already1 evid5tly1 he _h se5 t ,k5n$y held 9 8 h& ! note t _h come to me4 ,i c't make any?+ out ( x1 w5t on ,norton1 evid5tly mu* worri$4 ,fir/ ,i lose ! dagg]4 ,next y say x 0 us$ to murd] ,m5doza4 ,!n ,i get ?is4 ,n[1 if any "o c get into ! ,museum to /eal ! dagg]1 !y c\ld get 9 to c>ry out any ?reat ( rev5ge1 real or fanci$4 ,look$ at 9 t respect1 ,i felt t x 0 inde$ a real cause ( worry = ,norton4 ,b1 !n1 x fla%$ ov] me1 0 n my own case worse8 ,i 0 to be responsible = tell+ ! /ory4 ,might n "s unse5 h& /rike at me1 p]haps soon] ?an at him8 ,k5n$y _h tak5 ! two notes & 0 scann+ !m eag]ly4 ,j !n an automobile drew up outside1 & a mom5t lat] we he>d a tap at ! door :i* ,k5n$y _h clos$ aft] ! entrance ( ,norton4 ,i op5$ x4 ,is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y "h8 ,i he>d a voice inquire4 ,i'm "o ( ! ord]lies at ! ,city ,hospital1 next to ! ,morgue1 :]e ,dr4 ,leslie has 8 laboratory4 ,i've a message = ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 if he's 94 ,k5n$y took ! envelope1 :i* bore ! /amp ( ,dr4 ,leslie's dep>tm5t1 & tore x op54 ,my de> ,k5n$y1 he read1 9 an und]tone4 ,i've be5 engag$ 9 inve/igat+ t poison :i* probably surr\nds ! w\nd 9 ! ,m5doza case1 b z yet h no?+ to report4 ,x is c]ta9ly none ( ! ?+s :i* we ord9>ily run up aga9/4 ,enclos$ y w f9d a slip ( pap] & ! envelope :i* x came 9--some?+1 ,i take x1 t has be5 s5t me by a crank4 ,w\ld y treat x s]i\sly or disreg>d x8 ,leslie4 ,z ,k5n$y _h unfold$ ,leslie's own lett] a piece ( pap] _h flutt]$ to ! floor4 ,i pick$ x up me*anically1 & only n[ look$ at x1 z ,craig f9i%$ read+4 ,on x 0 ano!r copy ( ! ?reat t _h be5 s5t to bo? ,norton & myself6 ,! hospital ord]ly _h sc>cely gone :5 ano!r tap came at ! door4 ,y\r books f ! libr>y1 ,pr(essor1 ann\nc$ a /ud5t :o 0 employ$ 9 ! libr>y z "p paym5t ( 8 tuition4 ,i've sign$ ! slip = !m1 sir4 ,he deposit$ ! books on a desk1 a huge pile ( !m1 :i* rea*$ f 8 out/ret*$ arms to 8 *94 ,z he did s ! pressure ( 8 arms releas$ ! pile ( books & ! column collaps$4 ,f a book entitl$ ,new & ,old ,p]u1 :i* fell ) ! pile1 slipp$ a pla9 :ite envelope4 ,k5n$y saw x be=e ei!r ( u1 & seiz$ x4 ,"h's "o = me1 he said1 te>+ x op54 ,sure en\gh1 9 ! same rude pr9t+ on a qu>t] %eet 7 ! words3 ,,bew>e ,,! ,,curse ,,( ,,mansi*e ,,on ,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods4 ,we c\ld only />e at ea* o!r & at t tell-tale sign ( ! ,inca dagg] und]nea?4 ,:at did x mean8 ,:o _h s5t ! w>n+s8 ,k5n$y alone seem$ to reg>d ! affair z if ) purely sci5tific int]e/4 ,he took ! f\r pieces ( pap] & laid !m d[n be=e him on ! table4 ,!n he look$ up sudd5ly4 ,!y mat* p]fectly1 he said quietly1 ga!r+ !m up & plac+ !m 9 a wallet :i* he c>ri$4 ,all ! ind5tures ( ! te>+ correspond4 ,f\r w>n+s seem to h be5 s5t to ^? :o are likely to f9d out some?+ ( ! secret4 ,norton seem$ to h ga9$ some:at ( 8 composure n[ t he _h be5 able to talk to "s "o4 ,:at are y go+ to d--give x up8 he ask$ t5sely4 ,no?+ c\ld h insur$ my /ick+ to x h>d]1 answ]$ ,craig grimly4 ,!n we'll all h to /ick toge!r1 said ,norton sl[ly4 ,we all seem to be 9 ! same boat4 ,z he rose to g he ext5d$ a h& to ea* ( u4 ,i'll /ick1 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 ) t peculi> bulldog look ( int5sity on 8 face :i* ,i _h come to "k s well4 ,,iv ,,! ,,treasure ,,hunt]s ,norton _h sc>cely gone1 & ,k5n$y 0 /ill /udy+ ! f\r pieces ( pap] on :i* ! w>n+ _h be5 giv51 :5 our laboratory door 0 s(tly pu%$ op5 aga94 ,x 0 ,s5orita ,m5doza1 look+ m beautiful ?an ev] 9 h] pla9 black m\rn+ dress1 ! unnatural pallor ( h] face height5+ ! wond]ful lu/r\s eyes t look$ ab\t z ?\gh half fright5$ at :at %e 0 do+4 ,i hope no?+ has happ5$1 greet$ ,k5n$y1 plac+ an easy-*air = h]4 ,b ,i'm glad to see t y h confid5ce en\gh to tru/ me4 ,%e look$ ab\t d\btfully at ! va/ am\nt ( p>aph]nalia :i* ,craig _h collect$ 9 8 sci5tific w>f>e on crime4 ,?\gh %e did n und]/& x1 x seem$ to impress h]4 ,no1 %e murmur$1 no?+ new has happ5$4 ,y told me to call on y if ,i %\ld ?9k ( any?+ else4 ,%e said x ) an air z if confess+ some?+4 ,x 0 app>5t t1 :atev] x 01 %e _h kn[n x all ! "t & only aft] a /ruggle _h br\ght h]self to tell+ x4 ,!n y h ?\ght ( some?+8 prompt$ ,craig4 ,yes1 %e repli$ 9 a l[ tone4 ,!n ) an ef=t %e w5t on3 ,i don't "k :e!r y "k x or n1 b my family is an old "o1 "o ( ! olde/ 9 ,p]u4 ,k5n$y nodd$ enc\rag+ly4 ,back 9 ! old days1 aft] ,piz>ro1 %e hurri$ on1 no long] able to *oose h] words1 b blurt+ ! ?+ out directly1 an ance/or ( m9e 0 murd]$ by an ,inca dagg]4 ,%e /opp$ aga9 & look$ ab\t1 actually fright5$ at h] own tem]ity1 evid5tly4 ,k5n$y & 8 tw5tie?-c5tury surr\nd+s seem$ aga9 to reassure h]4 ,i c't tell y ! /ory1 %e resum$4 ,i don't "k x4 ,my fa!r knew x4 ,b x 0 "s k9d ( family secret1 = he nev] told me4 ,once :5 ,i ask$ him he put me (f2 told me to wait until ,i 0 a little old]4 ,& y ?9k t may h some?+ to d ) ! case8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 try+ to draw out any?+ m t %e knew4 ,i don't "k1 %e answ]$ frankly4 ,b don't y ?9k t x is /range--an ance/or ( m9e murd]$ & n[1 hundr$s ( ye>s aft]w>d1 my fa!r1 ! la/ ( 8 l9e 9 direct desc5t1 murd]$ 9 ! same way1 by an ,inca dagg] t has disappe>$8 ,!n y 7 li/5+ :ile ,i 0 talk+ to ,pr(essor ,norton8 %ot out ,k5n$y1 n unk9dly1 b r z a surprise te/ to see :at %e w\ld say4 ,y _c blame me = t1 %e return$ simply4 ,h>dly1 smil$ ,k5n$y4 ,& ,i appreciate y\r retic5ce--z well z y\r com+ "h f9ally to tell me4 ,inde$1 x is /range4 ,surely y mu/ h "s o!r suspicions1 he p]si/$1 some?+ t y feel1 ev5 ?\gh y d n "k8 ,k5n$y 0 lean+ =w>d1 look+ deeply into h] eyes1 z if he w\ld read :at 0 pass+ 9 h] m9d4 ,%e met 8 gaze = a mom5t1 !n look$ away4 ,y he>d ,mr4 ,lockwood say t he _h become associat$ ) a ,mr4 ,:itney1 ,mr4 ,/u>t ,:itney1 d[n 9 ,wall ,/reet8 %e v5tur$4 ,k5n$y did n take 8 eyes f h] face z he s\ght to extract ! reluctant words f h]4 ,mr4 ,:itney has be5 l>gely int]e/$ 9 ,p]u1 9 bus9ess & 9 m9+1 %e w5t on sl[ly4 ,he has giv5 l>ge sums to s*ol>s d[n !re1 to ,pr(essor ,norton's exp$itions f ,new ,york4 ,i--,i'm afraid ( t ,mr4 ,:itney6 ,h] quiet tone _h ris5 to a pit* ( tremul\s excitem5t4 ,h] face1 :i* _h be5 pale f ! /ra9 ( ! trag$y1 0 n[ full ( col\r1 & h] brea/ rose & fell ) suppress$ emotion4 ,afraid ( him--:y8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,!re 0 no m retic5ce4 ,once hav+ said s mu*1 %e seem$ to feel t %e mu/ g on & tell h] fe>s4 ,because1 %e w5t on1 he--he kn[s a woman--:om my fa!r knew4 ,a sudd5 fla% ( fire seem$ to light up h] d>k eyes4 ,a woman ( ,truxillo1 %e cont9u$1 ,s5ora de ,mo*e4 ,de ,mo*e1 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 recall+ ! "n & a /ill unexpla9$ incid5t ( our fir/ int]view4 ,:o is ?is ,s5ora de ,mo*e8 he ask$1 /udy+ h] z if %e _h be5 "u a l5s4 ,a ,p]uvian ( an old ,indian family1 %e repli$1 9 a l[ tone1 z if ! words 7 =c$ f h]4 ,%e has come to ,new ,york ) h] son1 ,alfonso4 ,y rememb]--y met him4 ,he is /udy+ "h at ! ,univ]sity4 ,aga9 ,i not$ ! diff]5t mann] 9 :i* %e spoke ! two names ( "m & son4 ,evid5tly !re 0 "s feud1 "s b>ri] betwe5 h] & ! eld] woman1 :i* did n ext5d to ,alfonso4 ,k5n$y rea*$ = ! ,univ]sity catalogue & f\nd ! "n1 ,alfonso de ,mo*e4 ,he 01 z he _h told u1 a po/-graduate /ud5t 9 ! eng9e]+ s*ool &1 !re=e1 n 9 any ( ,k5n$y's own classes4 ,y say y\r fa!r knew ! ,s5ora8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,yes1 %e repli$1 9 a l[ voice1 he _h _h "s deal+s ) h]4 ,i _c say j :at !y 72 ,i d n "k4 ,socially1 ( c\rse1 x 0 diff]5t4 ,!y did n belong to ! same circle z ours 9 ,lima4 ,f h] tone ,i ga!r$ t !re exi/$ a race prejudice betwe5 ^? ( old ,spani% desc5t & ! desc5dants ( ! ,indians4 ,t1 h[ev]1 c\ld n acc\nt = h] attitude4 ,at lea/ ) h] ! prejudice did n ext5d to ,alfonso4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e is a fri5d ( ,mr4 ,:itney8 qu]i$ ,k5n$y4 ,yes1 ,i believe %e has plac$ "s ( h] affairs 9 8 h&s4 ,! de ,mo*es live at ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t ,hotel1 & ,mr4 ,:itney lives !re1 too4 ,i suppose !y see m or less ( ea* o!r4 ,h-m1 mus$ ,k5n$y4 ,y "k ,mr4 ,:itney1 ,i suppose8 ,n v well1 %e answ]$4 ,( c\rse1 ,i h met him4 ,he has be5 to visit my fa!r1 & my fa!r has be5 d[n at 8 (fice1 ) ,mr4 ,lockwood4 ,b ,i d n "k mu* ab\t him1 except t he is :at y ,am]icans call a promot]4 ,app>5tly1 ,inez 0 endeav\r+ to be frank 9 tell+ h] suspicions1 mu* m s ev5 ?an ,norton _h be54 ,b ,i c\ld n help feel+ t %e 0 try+ to %ield "s "o1 ?\gh n to ! ext5t ( consci\sly putt+ u on a wrong sc5t4 ,i %all try to see ,mr4 ,:itney z soon z possible1 said ,k5n$y1 z %e rose to g4 ,& ,s5ora de ,mo*e1 too4 ,i fanci$ t ,s5orita ,inez1 al?\gh %e _h n told u mu*1 felt reliev$4 ,aga9 %e murmur$ h] ?anks z %e left & aga9 ,k5n$y repeat$ 8 injunction to tell ev]y?+ t happ5$ t c\ld possibly h any be>+ on ! case4 ,t's a r peculi> phase1 he consid]$1 :5 we 7 alone1 ?is de ,mo*e affair4 ,yes1 ,i agre$4 ,d y suppose t woman c\ld be us+ ,:itney = "s purpose8 ,or ,:itney us+ h]1 sugge/$ ,k5n$y4 ,!re's s mu* to be done at once t ,i h>dly "k :]e to beg94 ,we mu/ see bo? ( !m z soon z possible4 ,mean:ile1 t message f ,dr4 ,leslie ab\t ! poison int]e/s me4 ,i mu/ at lea/ />t my te/s ( ! blood samples t ,i extract$4 ,walt]1 may ,i ask y to leave me "h 9 ! laboratory undi/urb$8 ,i _h "s writ+ on my news /ory to d1 & w5t into ! room next to ! laboratory1 :]e ,i 0 soon busily engag$ tapp+ my typewrit]4 ,sudd5ly ,i became consci\s ( t feel+1 :i* ,k5n$y _h h9t$ at1 ( be+ wat*$4 ,p]haps ,i _h he>d a foot/ep outside & 0 n consci\sly aw>e ( x4 ,b1 at any rate1 ,i _h ! feel+4 ,i /opp$ tapp+ ! keys & :eel$ unexpect$ly ab\t 9 my *air4 ,i am sure t ,i caught j a fleet+ glimpse ( a face dodg+ back f ! w9d[1 :i* 0 on ! fir/ floor4 ,^: face x 0 ,i am n prep>$ to ass]t exactly4 ,b !re 0 a face1 & ! fleet+ glimpse ( ! eyes & =ehead 0 j en\gh to give me ! impression t !y 7 famili>1 )\t enabl+ me to id5tify !m4 ,at any rate1 ! occurr5ce made me feel decid$ly uncom=table1 especially aft] ! w>n+ lett]s t we _h all receiv$4 ,i sprang to my feet & ran to ! door4 ,b x 0 too late4 ,! intrud] _h disappe>$4 ,/ill1 ! m ,i ?\ght ab\t x1 ! m det]m9$ ,i 0 to try to v]ify an indi/9ct suspicion1 if possible4 ,i put on my hat & walk$ hurri$ly ov] to ! (fice ( ! regi/r>4 ,sure en\gh1 ,i f\nd t ,alfonso de ,mo*e _h be5 at ! ,univ]sity t day1 mu/ h att5d$ a lecture an h\r or s be=e4 ,hav+ no?+ else to d1 ,i hunt$ up "s ( 8 pr(essors & tri$ to quiz !m ab\t him4 ,z ,i _h expect$1 !y told me t he 0 an excell5t /ud5t1 ?\gh v quiet & res]v$4 ,8 m9d seem$ to run along ! l9e ( eng9e]+1 & p>ticul>ly m9+4 ,i c\ld n help com+ to ! conclusion t und\bt$ly he1 too1 0 infect$ by ! furore = treasure hunt+1 9 spite ( 8 ,indian ance/ry4 ,yet !re seem$ to be surpris+ly little kn[n ab\t him outside ( ! lecture room & laboratory4 ,! pr(essors knew t he liv$ ) 8 "m at a hotel d[nt[n4 ,he seem$ to h little or no?+ to d ) ! o!r /ud5ts outside ( class "w4 ,altoge!r he 0 an enigma1 z f> z ! social life ( ! ,univ]sity w5t4 ,x look$ v mu* z ?\gh he _h come to ,new ,york quietly to prep>e himself = ! se>* = ! buri$ treasure4 ,_h ! ,gold ( ! ,gods lur$ him into its net1 too8 ,reflect+ on ! tangle ( ev5ts1 ! /range actions ( ,lockwood & ! ambitions ( ,:itney1 ,i retrac$ my /eps 9 ! direction ( ! laboratory1 conv9c$ t de ,mo*e _h employ$ at lea/ a "p ( 8 "t lately 9 spy+ on u4 ,p]haps he _h se5 ,inez go+ 9 & out4 ,sudd5ly x fla%$ ov] me t ! int]*ange ( glances betwe5 de ,mo*e & ,lockwood indicat$ t %e 0 m to him ?an a m]e acqua9tance4 ,p]haps x _h be5 jeal\sy z well z treasure hunt+ t _h prompt$ 8 eavesdropp+4 ,/ill reflect+1 ,i decid$ to turn 9 at ! ,museum & h a *at ) ,norton4 ,i f\nd him n]v\sly pac+ up & d[n ! little (fice t _h be5 accord$ him 9 8 section ( ! build+4 ,i c't rid my m9d ( t w>n+1 he rem>k$ anxi\sly1 paus+ 9 8 measur$ tread4 ,x seems inconceivable to me t any "o w\ld take ! tr\ble to s5d f\r su* w>n+s unless he meant x4 ,q s1 ,i agre$1 relat+ to him :at _h j happ5$4 ,i ?\ght ( some?+ l t1 he acquiesc$1 & ,i h already tak5 "s precautions4 ,norton wav$ 8 h& at ! w9d[s1 :i* ,i _h n notic$ be=e4 ,?\gh !y 7 "s di/ance above ! gr\nd1 ,i saw n[ t he _h clos$ & b>r$ !m at ! exp5se ( v5tilation4 ,! w>n+s seem$ to h made m ( an impression on him ?an on any ( ! re/ ( u4 ,"o nev] c tell :]e or :5 a bl[ w fall ) ^! p1 he expla9$4 ,y see1 ,i've liv$ among !m4 ,!y are a hot-blood$ race4 ,besides1 z y p]haps h read1 !y h "s que] poisons d[n 9 ,s\? ,am]ica4 ,i mean to run no unnecess>y *ances4 ,i suppose y suspect$ all along t ! dagg] _h some?+ to d ) ! ,gold ( ! ,gods1 did y n8 ,i h9t$4 ,norton paus$ be=e answ]+1 z ?\gh to weigh 8 words4 ,suspect$--yes1 he repli$4 ,b1 z ,i told y1 ,i h _h no *ance to read ! inscription on x4 ,i c't say t ,i took x v s]i\sly--until n[4 ,x's n possible t ,/u>t ,:itney1 :o1 ,i und]/&1 is deeply int]e/$ 9 ,s\? ,am]ica1 may h _h "s inkl+ ( ! value ( ! dagg]1 is x8 ,i ask$ ?\ghtfully4 ,= a full m9ute ,norton gaz$ at me4 ,i hadn't ?\ght ( t1 he admitt$ at l5g?4 ,t's a new idea to me4 ,yet someh[ ,i knew t ,norton _h ?\ght ( x1 ?\gh he _h n yet spok5 ab\t x4 ,0 x ?r\gh loyalty to ! man :o _h contribut$ to f9anc+ 8 exp$itions to ,s\? ,am]ica8 ,d y "k ,s5ora de ,mo*e well8 ,i v5tur$1 a mom5t lat]4 ,fairly well1 he repli$4 ,:y8 ,:at d y ?9k ( h]8 ,r a clev] woman1 he repli$ noncommittally4 ,i suppose all ! p 9 ,new ,york :o 7 int]e/$ 9 ,p]u knew h]1 ,i pursu$1 add+1 ,mr4 ,:itney1 ,m5doza1 ,lockwood4 ,norton hesitat$1 z ?\gh he 0 afraid ( say+ too mu*4 ,:ile ,i c\ld n help admir+ 8 caution1 ,i f\nd t x 0 mo/ exasp]at+4 ,/ill1 ,i 0 det]m9$ to get at 8 po9t ( view1 if possible4 ,alfonso seems to be a wor?y son1 !n1 ,i rem>k$4 ,i c't q make out1 ?\gh1 :y ! ,s5orita %\ld h su* an obvi\s prejudice aga9/ h]4 ,x doesn't seem to ext5d to him4 ,i believe1 repli$ ,norton reluctantly1 t ,m5doza _h be5 on r intimate t]ms ) h]4 ,at lea/1 ,i ?9k y'll f9d ! woman v ambiti\s = h] son4 ,i don't ?9k %e w\ld h /opp$ at mu* to advance 8 int]e/s4 ,y mu/ h notic$ h[ mu* ,alfonso ?9ks ( ! ,s5orita4 ,b ,i don't ?9k !re 0 any?+ t c\ld h ov]come ! old ,ca/ilian's prejudice4 ,y "k !y pride !mselves on nev] int]m>ry+4 ,) ,lockwood x w\ld h be5 diff]5t4 ,i ?\ght ,i began to get "s glimm]+ ( h[ ?+s 74 ,:itney kn[s h] pretty well n[1 doesn't he8 ,i %ot out4 ,norton %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,b he c\ld n h acquiesc$ bett] ?an by 8 v mann]4 ,mr4 ,lockwood & ,mr4 ,:itney "k be/ :at !y are do+1 he rem>k$1 at l5g?4 ,:y don't y & ,k5n$y try to see ,s5ora de ,mo*e8 ,i'm a sci5ti/1 y "k4 ,i dislike talk+ ab\t speculations4 ,i'd pref] only to express op9ions ab\t ?+s t are c]ta9ties4 ,p]haps ,norton wi%$ to convey ! impression t ! subjects ,i _h broa*$ 7 wor? look+ into4 ,at lea/ x 0 ! impression ,i d]iv$4 ,/ill1 he cont9u$ sl[ly1 ,i ?9k ,i am ju/ifi$ 9 say+ ?is mu*3 ,i myself h be5 int]e/$ 9 wat*+ bo? ,alfonso de ,mo*e & ,lockwood :5 x comes to ! case ( ! ,s5orita4 ,all's fair1 !y say1 9 love & w>4 ,if ,i am any judge1 !re are bo? 9 ?is case1 some:]e4 ,i ?9k y _h bett] see ! ,s5ora & judge = y\rself4 ,%e's a clev] woman1 ,i "k4 ,b ,i'm sure t ,k5n$y c\ld make h] out1 ev5 if ! re/ ( u c't4 ,i ?ank$ ,norton = ! h9t t he _h giv51 & aft] *att+ a few mom5ts m left him alone 9 8 (fice4 ,9 my room aga91 ,i w5t back to f9i% my writ+4 ,no?+ fur!r occurr$1 h[ev]1 to excite my suspicions1 & at la/ ,i manag$ to f9i% x4 ,i 0 correct+ :at ,i _h writt5 :5 ! door op5$ f ! laboratory & ,craig ent]$4 ,he _h ?r[n (f 8 old1 acid-/a9$ laboratory smock & 0 n[ dress$ to v5ture =?4 ,h y f\nd out any?+ ab\t ! poison8 ,i ask$4 ,no?+ def9ite yet1 he repli$4 ,t w take "s "t n[4 ,x's a /range poison--an alkaloid1 ,i'm sure1 b n "o t "o ord9>ily enc\nt]s4 ,/ill1 ,i've made a good beg9n+4 ,x won't take long to det]m9e x n[4 ,craig li/5$ ) deep int]e/1 ?\gh )\t comm5t1 :5 ,i relat$ :at _h happ5$1 bo? ,norton's conv]sation & ab\t ! /range visitor :om we _h _h pe]+ into our w9d[s4 ,"s "o seems to be v mu* int]e/$ 9 :at we are do+1 ,walt]1 he conclud$ simply4 ,i ?9k we'd bett] d a little m outside "w n[1 :ile we h a *ance4 ,if y are ready1 s am ,i4 ,i want to see :at sort ( treasure hunt] ?is ,/u>t ,:itney is4 ,i'd l to "k :e!r he is 9 on ?is secret ( ! ,gold ( ! ,gods1 too4 ,v ,,! ,,wall ,,/reet ,,promot] ,lockwood1 z we n[ knew1 _h become alli$ 9 "s way ) a gr\p ( ,wall ,/reet capitali/s1 head$ by ,/u>t ,:itney4 ,already ,i _h he>d some?+ ( ,:itney4 ,9 ! ,/reet he 0 well kn[n z an int5sely practical man1 ?\gh f> above ! av]age exploit] bo? 9 clev]ness & education4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ,:itney _h be5 f>-sight$ en\gh to see t s*ol>%ip c\ld be capitaliz$1 n only z an adv]tisem5t1 b 9 m direct mann]s4 ,j at pres5t "o ( 8 pet s*emes 0 promot+ trade ?r\gh ! canal betwe5 ! ea/ coa/ ( ,nor? ,am]ica & ! we/ coa/ ( ,s\? ,am]ica4 ,he _h sp5t a good deal ( money promot+ fri5d%ip betwe5 m5 ( affairs & weal? 9 bo? ,new ,york & ,lima4 ,x 0 a good *ance1 he figur$1 = 8 inve/m5ts d[n 9 ,p]u 7 l>ge1 & any?+ t popul>iz$ ! c\ntry 9 ,new ,york c\ld n b make !m m valuable4 ,norton seem$ r av]se to talk+ ab\t ,:itney1 ,i v5tur$ to ,craig1 z we rode d[nt[n4 ,t may be "p ( ,:itney's clev]ness1 he return$ ?\ghtfully4 ,z a patron ( art & lett]s1 y "k1 a man c c>ry ?r\gh a good _m ?+s t o!rwise w\ld be m critically exam9$4 ,k5n$y did n say x 9 a way t impli$ t he knew any?+ v bad ab\t ,:itney4 ,/ill1 ,i reflect$1 x 0 a/ute 9 ! man to insure ! coop]ation ( su* p z ,norton4 ,a few ?\s& doll>s judici\sly sp5t on ar*aeology might cov] up a multitude ( s9s ( high f9ance4 ,no?+ m 0 said by ei!r ( u1 & at la/ we rea*$ ! f9ancial di/rict4 ,we ent]$ a tall skyscrap] on ,wall ,/reet j ar\nd ! corn] f ,broadway & %ot up 9 ! elevator to ! floor :]e ,:itney & 8 associates _h a really palatial suite ( (fices4 ,z we op5$ ! door we saw t ,lockwood 0 /ill !re4 ,he greet$ u ) a r /iff b[4 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y & ,mr4 ,jameson1 he said simply1 introduc+ u to ,:itney1 fri5ds ( ,pr(essor ,norton1 ,i believe4 ,i met !m to-day up at ,m5doza's4 ,t is a mo/ incompreh5sible affair1 return$ ,:itney1 %ak+ h&s ) u4 ,:at d y make out ( x8 ,k5n$y %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s & turn$ ! rem>k aside )\t committ+ himself4 ,/u>t ,:itney 0 a typical promot]1 a l>ge1 full-blood$ man1 ) a face r$ & incl9$ to be puffy f ! conge/$ ve9s4 ,8 voice alone comm&$ respect1 :e!r he said any?+ wor? :ile or n4 ,9 fact1 he _h b to say t x 0 a w>m day & y felt t he _h scor$ a tell+ po9t 9 ! conv]sation4 ,pr(essor ,norton has ask$ me to look into ! loss ( an old ,p]uvian dagg] :i* he br\ght back f 8 la/ exp$ition1 expla9$ ,k5n$y1 endeav\r+ to lead ! conv]sation 9 *annels :i* might arrive some:]e4 ,yes1 yes1 rem>k$ ,:itney1 ) a nod ( int]e/4 ,he has told me ( x4 ,v /range1 v /range4 ,:5 he came back he told me t he _h x1 along ) a lot ( o!r important f9ds4 ,b ,i _h no idea he set su* a value on x--or1 r1 t any "o else might d s4 ,x w\ld h be5 easy to h safegu>d$ x "h1 if we _h kn[n1 he add$1 ) a wave ( 8 h& 9 ! direction ( a huge *rome /eel safe ( late/ design 9 ! out] (fice4 ,lockwood1 ,i not$1 0 li/5+ int5tly1 q 9 contra/ ) 8 =m] cavali] mann] ( dismiss+ all consid]ation ( anci5t ,inca lore z academic or unpractical4 ,did he "k some?+ ( ! dagg]8 ,i'm v mu* int]e/$ 9 old ,p]uvian antiquities myself1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 a few m9utes lat]1 ?\gh n1 ( c\rse1 a s*ol> l our fri5d ,norton4 ,inde$8 return$ ,:itney2 & ,i notic$ = ! fir/ "t t 8 eyes seem$ fairly to glitt] ) excitem5t4 ,!y 7 prom95t eyes1 a trifle />+1 & ,i c\ld n help /udy+ !m4 ,!n1 he exclaim$1 ris+1 y mu/ "k ( ! ru9s ( ,*an-,*an1 ( ,*ima--^? wond]ful places8 ,k5n$y nodd$4 ,& ( ,truxillo & ! leg5d ( ! great fi% & ! little fi%1 he put 94 ,:itney seem$ extraord9>ily pleas$ t any "o %\ld be will+ to discuss 8 hobby ) him4 ,8 eyes by ?is "t 7 app>5tly />t+ f _! sockets1 & ,i notic$ t ! pupils 7 dilat$ almo/ to ! size ( ! iris4 ,we mu/ sit d[n & talk ab\t ,p]u1 he cont9u$1 rea*+ = a l>ge box ( cig>ettes 9 ! top draw] ( 8 big desk4 ,lockwood seem$ to s5se a long discussion ( ar*aeology4 ,he rose & mumbl$ an excuse ab\t hav+ some?+ to d 9 ! out] (fice4 ,oh1 x is a wond]ful c\ntry1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 w5t on ,:itney1 ?r[+ himself back 9 8 *air4 ,i am deeply int]e/$ 9 x--its m9es1 its railroads1 z well z its hi/ory4 ,let me %[ y a map ( our int]e/s d[n !re4 ,he rose & pass$ into ! next room to get ! map4 ,! mom5t 8 back 0 turn$1 ,k5n$y rea*$ ov] to a typewrit] desk t /ood 9 a corn] ( ! (fice1 left op5 by ! /5ograph]1 :o _h gone4 ,he took two ?9 second %eets ( pap] & a new c>bon %eet4 ,a ha/y dab or two ( ! libr>y pa/e complet$ 8 "w4 ,c>efully ,craig laid ! prep>$ pap] on ! floor j a few in*es f ! door into ! out] (fice & scatt]$ a few o!r %eets ab\t1 z ?\gh ! w9d _h bl[n !m (f ! desk4 ,z ,:itney return$1 a big map unroll$ 9 8 h&s1 ,i saw 8 foot fall on ! d\ble %eet t ,craig _h laid by ! door4 ,k5n$y b5t d[n & began pick+ up ! pap]s4 ,oh1 t's all "r1 rem>k$ ,:itney brusquely4 ,nev] m9d t4 ,"h's :]e "s ( our int]e/s lie1 9 ! nor?4 ,i don't ?9k ,i paid mu* m att5tion to ! map ?an did ,k5n$y z we ?ree b5t ov] x4 ,8 real att5tion 0 on ! pap] :i* he _h plac$ on ! floor1 z ?\gh fix+ 9 8 m9d ! exact spot on :i* ,:itney _h /epp$4 ,z ,:itney talk$ rapidly ab\t ! c\ntry1 we light$ ! cig>ettes4 ,!y seem$ to be ( a special br&4 ,i puff$ m9e = a mom5t4 ,!re 0 a peculi> ta/e ab\t x1 h[ev]1 :i* ,i did n exactly l4 ,9 fact1 ,i ?9k t ! ,lat9-,am]ican cig>ettes d n seem to appeal to mo/ ,am]icans v mu*1 anyh[4 ,:ile we talk$1 ,i notic$ t ,k5n$y evid5tly %>$ my own ta/es1 = he all[$ 8 cig>ette to g out1 &1 aft] a puff or two1 ,i did ! same4 ,= ! sake ( my own com=t1 ,i drew "o ( my own f my case z soon z ,i c\ld d s politely1 & laid ! /ub ( ! o!r 9 an a%-tray on ,:itney's desk4 ,mr4 ,lockwood & ,s5or ,m5doza _h "s jo9t int]e/s 9 ! c\ntry1 too1 didn't !y8 qu]i$ ,k5n$y1 8 eye /ill on ! pieces ( pap] ne> ! door4 ,yes1 return$ ,:itney4 ,lockwood6 ,:at is x8 came ,lockwood's voice f outside4 ,%[ ,pr(essor ,k5n$y :]e y & ,m5doza h ^? concessions4 ,! "y eng9e] /rode into ! room1 & ,i saw a smile ( gratification cross ,k5n$y's face z 8 foot1 also1 fell on ! pap] by ! door4 ,unlike ,:itney1 h[ev]1 ,lockwood b5t ov] to ga!r up ! %eets4 ,b be=e he c\ld actually d s ,k5n$y rea*$ d[n & swept !m j out ( 8 rea*4 ,q breezy1 ,k5n$y cov]$ up 8 action1 turn+ to re/ore ! pap] to ! desk4 ,craig _h 8 back to !m1 b n to me1 & ,i saw him fumble = an in/ant ) ! pap]s4 ,quickly he press$ 8 ?umb-nail on "o side1 z ?\gh mak+ a r\gh ,w1 :ile on ! o!r side he made :at might be an ,l4 ,!n he %ov$ ! two %eets & ! c>bon into 8 pocket4 ,i glanc$ up ha/ily4 ,=tunately1 nei!r ,:itney nor ,lockwood _h not$ 8 action4 ,= ! fir/ "t1 n[1 ,i notic$ z ,i wat*$ him t ,lockwood's eyes1 too1 7 a trifle />y1 ?\gh n s noticeable z ,:itney's4 ,let me see1 cont9u$ ,:itney1 y\r concessions are all ab\t "h1 9 ! nor?1 ar5't !y8 ,lockwood drew a p5cil f 8 pocket & made sev]al cross-m>ks ov] ! names ( "s t[ns on ! l>ge map4 ,^? are ! po9ts t we _h propos$ to "w1 he said simply1 be=e ?is t]rible trag$y to ,m5doza4 ,m9+1 y und]/&1 expla9$ ,:itney4 ,!n1 aft] a pause1 he resum$ quickly4 ,( c\rse1 y "k t mu* has be5 said ab\t ! *ances = m9+ inve/m5ts & ab\t ! opportunities = =tunes = p]sons 9 ,s\? ,am]ica4 ,p]u has be5 ! ,mecca = =tune hunt]s s9ce ! days ( ,piz>ro4 ,b :]e "o p]son has be5 successful ?\s&s h fail$ because !y don't "k ! game4 ,:y1 ,i "k ( "o inve/m5t ( hundr$s ( ?\s&s t hasn't yield$ a c5t ( pr(it j because ( t4 ,lockwood said no?+1 evid5tly n c>+ to wa/e "t or brea? on any "o :o 0 n a possible inve/or4 ,b ,:itney _h ! true promot]'s in/9ct ( boom+ 8 s*eme on ! *ance t ! int]e/ inspir$ might be c>ri$ to "s ?ird p>ty4 ,am]ican f9anci]s1 x is true1 he w5t on excit$ly1 tak+ out a beautifully *as$ gold cig>ette case1 h lo/ millions 9 m9+ 9 ,p]u4 ,b t is n ! s*eme t our gr\p1 includ+ ,mr4 ,lockwood n[1 has4 ,we are go+ to make m millions ?an !y ev] dream$ (--because we are simply go+ to m9e = ! products ( c5turies ( lab\r already done--= ! great treasure ( ,truxillo4 ,"o c\ld n help becom+ infect$ by ,:itney's en?usiasm4 ,k5n$y 0 foll[+ him closely1 :ile a fr[n ( disapproval spread ov] ,lockwood's face4 ,!n y "k ! secret ( ! hid+-place ( ! treasure8 qu]i$ ,k5n$y abruptly4 ,:itney %ook 8 head 9 ! negative4 ,x is my idea t we don't h to "k x1 he answ]$4 ,) ! h9ts t we h collect$ f ! natives1 ,i ?9k we c locate x ) ! exp5diture ( comp>atively little "t & money4 ,s5or ,m5doza has obta9$ ! concession f ! gov]nm5t to hunt = x on a l>ge scale 9 ! big m\nds ab\t ,truxillo4 ,we "k x is !re4 ,is n t en\gh8 ,if x _h be5 any "o less ?an ,:itney1 we %\ld probably h said x 0 n4 ,b x took m ?an t to d5y any?+ he ass]t$4 ,lockwood's face 0 a /udy4 ,i _c say t x betray$ any?+ except disapproval ( ! m]e discussion ( ! subject4 ,9 fact1 x left me 9 d\bt z to :e!r ,:itney himself might n h be5 bluff+1 9 ! c]ta9ty ( f9d+ ! treasure--p]haps _h already ! secret he d5i$ hav+ & 0 prep>+ to cov] x up by /umbl+ on x1 app>5tly1 9 "s o!r way4 ,i recogniz$ 9 ,/u>t ,:itney z smoo? an individual z ev] we _h enc\nt]$4 ,8 0 all ! s9c]ity ( a crook4 ,yet he contriv$ to leave ! :ole matt] 9 d\bt4 ,p]haps 9 ?is case he actually knew :at he 0 talk+ ab\t4 ,! telephone rang & ,lockwood answ]$ x4 ,?\gh he did n m5tion h] "n1 ,i knew f 8 v tone & mann] t x 0 ,s5orita de ,m5doza :o 0 call+ up4 ,evid5tly 8 cont9u$ abs5ce _h worri$ h]4 ,!re's absolutely no?+ to worry ab\t1 we he>d him say4 ,no?+ has *ang$4 ,i %all be up to see y z soon z ,i c get away f ! (fice4 ,!re 0 an air ( re/ra9t ab\t ,lockwood's rem>ks1 n z ?\gh he 7 keep+ any?+ f ! ,s5orita1 b z ?\gh he 7 reluctant = u to ov]he> any?+ ab\t 8 affairs4 ,lockwood _h be5 smok+1 too1 & he add$ ! /ubs ( 8 cig>ettes to ! pile 9 ! a%-tray on ,:itney's desk4 ,once ,i saw ,craig ca/ a quick glance at ! tray1 & ,i und]/ood t 9 "s way he 0 anxi\s to h a *ance to inve/igate ^? cig>ettes4 ,y saw ! dagg] :i* ,norton br\ght back1 did y n8 ask$ ,k5n$y ( ,:itney4 ,only z ,i saw ! re/ ( ! /uff aft] x 0 unpack$1 he repli$ easily4 ,he br\ght back a great _m int]e/+ objects on ?is la/ trip4 ,x 0 app>5t t :e!r he actually knew any?+ ab\t ! secret ( ! ,inca dagg] or n1 ,:itney 0 n to be trapp$ into betray+ x4 ,i _h an idea t ,lockwood 0 int]e/$ 9 kn[+ t fact1 too4 ,at any rate1 "o c\ld n be sure :e!r ^! two 7 p]fectly frank ) ea* o!r1 or 7 play+ a game = high /akes betwe5 !mselves4 ,lockwood seem$ eag] to get away &1 ) a ha/y glance at 8 wat*1 rose4 ,if y wi% to f9d me1 ,i %all be ) ,s5orita de ,m5doza1 he said1 tak+ 8 hat & /ick1 & b[+ to u4 ,:itney rose & accompani$ him to ! door 9 ! out] (fice1 8 arm on 8 %\ld]1 conv]s+ 9 a l[ tone t 0 inaudible to u4 ,no soon]1 h[ev]1 _h ! two pass$ ?r\gh ! door1 ) _! backs t[>d u1 ?an ,k5n$y rea*$ ov] quickly & swept ! cont5ts ( ! a%-tray1 cig>ette /ubs1 a%es1 & all1 into an empty envelope :i* 0 ly+ ) "s pap]s4 ,!n he seal$ x & %ov$ x into 8 pocket1 ) a sidelong glance ( satisfaction at me4 ,evid5tly ,mr4 ,lockwood & ! ,s5orita are on intimate t]ms1 haz>d$ ,k5n$y1 z ,:itney rejo9$ u4 ,poor little girl1 soliloquiz$ ! promot]4 ,yes1 inde$4 ,& ,lockwood is a lucky dog1 too4 ,su* eyes1 su* a figure--did y ev] see a m beautiful woman8 ,"o c\ld n help recogniz+ t :atev] else ,:itney might h said t did n r+ true 8 admiration = ! un=tunate girl 0 g5u9e4 ,t 0 n s rem>kable1 h[ev]4 ,x c\ld h>dly h be5 o!rwise4 ,y are acqua9t$1 ,i suppose1 ) a ,s5ora de ,mo*e8 v5tur$ ,k5n$y aga91 tak+ a *ance %ot4 ,:itney look$ at him ke5ly4 ,yes1 he agre$1 ,i h _h "s deal+s ) h]4 ,%e 0 an acqua9tance ( old ,m5doza's--a woman ( ! _w1 clev]1 %rewd4 ,i ?9k %e has b "o ambition--h] son4 ,y h met h]8 ,n ! ,s5ora1 admitt$ ,craig1 b h] son is a /ud5t at ! ,univ]sity4 ,oh1 yes1 to be sure1 said ,:itney4 ,a f9e fell[--b n ( ! type ( ,lockwood4 ,:y he %\ld h c\pl$ ! names 0 n cle> = ! mom5t4 ,b he _h ris51 & 0 mov+ delib]ately up & d[n ! (fice1 8 ?umbs 9 8 wai/coat pockets1 z ?\gh he 7 ?9k+ ( some?+ v p]plex+4 ,if ,i 7 y\ng]1 he rem>k$ f9ally1 ( a sudd51 ,i w\ld give bo? ( !m a race = t girl4 ,%e is ! greate/ treasure t has ev] come out ( ! c\ntry4 ,ah1 well--z x is1 ,i w\ld n place my money on "y de ,mo*e6 ,k5n$y _h ris5 to g4 ,i tru/ y w be able to une>? "s clue reg>d+ t dagg]1 said ,:itney1 z we mov$ t[>d ! door4 ,x seems to h worri$ ,norton consid]ably1 especially s9ce y told him t ,m5doza 0 und\bt$ly murd]$ ) x4 ,evid5tly ,norton kept 9 close t\* ) 8 patron1 b ,k5n$y did n appe> to be surpris$ at x4 ,i am do+ my be/1 he return$4 ,i suppose ,i may c\nt on y\r help z ! case develops8 ,absolutely1 repli$ ,:itney1 accompany+ u out into ! hall to ! elevator4 ,i %all back ,norton 9 any?+ he wants to keep ! ,p]uvian collection intact & protect$4 ,our que/ions 7 z yet unansw]$4 ,n only _h we no inkl+ z to ! :]eab\ts ( ! dagg]1 b ! s\rce ( ! f\r w>n+s t _h be5 s5t u 0 /ill z mu* %r\d$ 9 my/]y4 ,k5n$y beckon$ to a pass+ taxicab4 ,! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t1 he direct$ briefly4 ,,vi ,,! ,,curse ,,( ,,mansi*e ,we ent]$ ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t a few m9utes lat]1 "o ( ! new & beautiful family hotels upt[n4 ,be=e mak+ any inquiries1 ,craig gave a ha/y look ab\t ! lobby4 ,sudd5ly ,i felt him take my arm & draw me ov] to a little alcove on "o side4 ,i foll[$ ! direction ( 8 eyes4 ,!re ,i c\ld see "y ,alfonso de ,mo*e talk+ to a woman mu* old] ?an himself4 ,t mu/ be 8 "m1 :isp]$ ,craig4 ,y c see ! resemblance4 ,let's sit "h a:ile beh9d ^! palms & wat*4 ,!y seem$ to be engag$ 9 an e>ne/ conv]sation ab\t some?+4 ,ev5 z !y talk$1 ?\gh we c\ld n guess :at x 0 ab\t1 x 0 evid5t t ,alfonso 0 de>] ?an life to ! woman & t ! "y man 0 a model son4 ,?\gh ,i felt t ,i mu/ admire !m ea* = x1 /ill1 ,i reflect$1 t 0 no reason :y we %\ld n suspect !m--p]haps r a reason = suspect+4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e 0 a woman ( well-pres]v$ middle age1 a l>ge woman1 ) d>k hair & contra/+ full1 r$ lips4 ,h] face1 9 m>k$ contradiction to h] ,p>isian co/ume & ref9$ mann]s1 _h a slight copp] sw>?9ess ab\t x :i* spoke eloqu5tly ( h] ance/ry4 ,b x 0 h] eyes t arre/$ & held "o's att5tion mo/4 ,:e!r x 0 9 ! eyes !mselves or 9 ! way t %e us$ !m1 !re c\ld be no mi/ake ab\t ! almo/ hypnotic p[] t _! own] possess$4 ,i c\ld n help wond]+ :e!r %e might n h ex]cis$ x on ,don ,luis1 p]haps 0 us+ x 9 "s way to influ5ce ,:itney4 ,0 t ! reason :y ! ,s5orita s evid5tly fe>$ h]8 ,=tunately1 f our vantage po9t1 we c\ld see )\t be+ 9 any dang] ( be+ se54 ,!re's ,:itney1 ,i he>d ,craig mutt] "u 8 brea?4 ,i look$ up & saw ! promot] ent] f 8 c>4 ,at almo/ ! same in/ant ! rov+ eyes ( ! ,s5ora seem$ to cat* sight ( him4 ,he came ov] & spoke to ! de ,mo*es1 /&+ ) !m sev]al m9utes4 ,i fanci$ t n = an in/ant did %e all[ ! gaze ( any "o else to di/ract h] 9 ! projection ( :atev] weird ocul> p[] nature _h end[$ h] )4 ,if x 7 a battle ( eyes1 ,i recollect$ ! /range look t ,i _h not$ ab\t ^? ( bo? ,:itney & ,lockwood4 ,t1 h[ev]1 0 diff]5t f ! impression "o got ( ! ,s5ora's4 ,i felt t %e w\ld h to be pretty clev] to mat* ! subtlety ( ,:itney4 ,:atev] x 0 !y 7 talk+ ab\t1 "o c\ld see t ,:itney & ,s5ora de ,mo*e 7 on v famili> t]ms4 ,at ! same "t1 "y de ,mo*e appe>$ to be ill at ease4 ,p]haps he did n approve ( ! intimacy ) ,:itney4 ,at any rate1 he seem$ visibly reliev$ :5 ! promot] excus$ himself & walk$ ov] to ! desk to get 8 mail & !n out into ! cafe4 ,i'd l to get a bett] view ( h]1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 ris+4 ,let u take a turn or two along ! corridor & pass !m4 ,we saunt]$ =? f our alcove & /roll$ d[n among ! v>i\s knots ( p *att+ & laugh+4 ,z we pass$ ! woman & h] son1 ,i 0 consci\s aga9 ( t /range feel+1 :i* psy*ologi/s tell u1 h[ev]1 has no real f\ndation1 ( be+ />$ at f beh9d4 ,at ! l[] end ( ! lobby ,k5n$y turn$ sudd5ly & we />t$ to retrace our /eps4 ,alfonso's back 0 t[>d u n[4 ,aga9 we pass$ !m1 j 9 "t to cat* ! words1 9 a l[ tone1 f ! "y man1 ,yes1 ,i h se5 him at ! ,univ]sity4 ,e "o !re kn[s t he is-- ,! re/ ( ! s5t5ce 0 lo/4 ,b x 0 n difficult to recon/ruct4 ,x ref]r$ und\bt$ly to ! activities ( ,k5n$y 9 unravell+ my/]ies4 ,x's q evid5t1 ,i sugge/$1 t !y "k t we are int]e/$ 9 !m n[4 ,yes1 he agre$4 ,!re wasn't any use ( wat*+ !m fur!r f "u cov]4 ,i want$ !m to see me1 j to f9d out :at !y w\ld d4 ,k5n$y 0 "r4 ,inde$1 ev5 be=e we turn$ aga91 we f\nd t ! ,s5ora & ,alfonso _h ris5 & 7 mak+ _! way sl[ly to ! elevators1 /ill talk+ e>ne/ly4 ,! lifts 7 ar\nd an angle1 & be=e we c\ld place ourselves s t we c\ld obs]ve !m aga9 !y 7 gone4 ,i wi% !re 0 "s way ( add+ ,alfonso's %oe-pr9ts to my collection1 obs]v$ ,craig4 ,! m>ks t ,i f\nd 9 ! du/ ( ! s>cophagus 9 ! ,museum 7 ^? ( a man's %oes4 ,h[ev]1 ,i suppose ,i mu/ wait to get !m4 ,he walk$ ov] to ! desk & made inquiries ab\t ! de ,mo*es & ,:itney4 ,ea* _h a suite on ! eigh? floor1 ?\gh on opposite sides & at opposite ends ( ! hall4 ,!re's no use wa/+ "t try+ to conceal our id5tity n[1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y f9ally1 draw+ a c>d f 8 case4 ,besides1 we came "h to see !m1 anyh[4 ,he h&$ ! c>d to ! cl]k4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e1 please1 he said4 ,! cl]k took ! c>d & telephon$ up to ! de ,mo*e suite4 ,i mu/ say t x 0 some:at to my surprise t ! ,s5ora telephon$ d[n to say t %e w\ld receive u 9 h] own sitt+ room4 ,t's v k9d1 comm5t$ ,craig1 z ,i foll[$ him into ! elevator4 ,x saves plann+ "s r\ndab\t way ( meet+ h] & comes directly to ! po9t4 ,! elevator :isk$ u up directly to ! eigh? floor & we /epp$ out into ! heavily c>pet$ hallway1 pass+ d[n to ,room #haj1 :i* 0 ! numb] ( h] suite4 ,fur!r on1 9 #hbe1 0 ,:itney's4 ,alfonso 0 n !re4 ,evid5tly he _h n ridd5 up ) 8 "m1 aft] all1 b _h gone out ?r\gh ano!r entrance on ! gr\nd floor4 ,! ,s5ora 0 alone4 ,i hope t y w p>don me = intrud+1 began ,craig1 ) z plausible an explanation z he c\ld mu/]1 b ,i h become int]e/$ 9 an opportunity to inve/ 9 a ,p]uvian v5ture1 & ,i h he>d t y are a ,p]uvian4 ,y\r son1 ,alfonso1 ,i h already met1 once4 ,i ?\ght t p]haps y might be able to give me "s advice4 ,%e look$ at u ke5ly1 b said no?+4 ,i fanci$ t %e detect$ ! subt]fuge4 ,yet %e _h n tri$1 & did n try n[ to avoid u4 ,ei!r %e _h no connection ) ! case we 7 inve/igat+ or %e 0 an adept actress4 ,on clos] view1 h] eyes 7 really ev5 m rem>kable ?an ,i _h imag9$ at a di/ance4 ,!y 7 ^? ( a woman end[$ ) an abundance ( heal? & en]gy1 eyes t 7 full ( :at ! old "* read]s us$ to call amativ5ess1 d5ot+ a nature capable ( int5se passion1 :e!r ( love or hate4 ,yet ,i confess t ,i c\ld n f9d any?+ especially abnormal ab\t !m1 z ,i _h ab\t ! eyes ( ,lockwood & ,:itney4 ,x 0 "s "t be=e %e repli$1 & ,i gave a ha/y glance ab\t ! ap>tm5t4 ,( c\rse1 x _h be5 r5t$ furni%$1 b %e _h re>rang$ x1 add+ "s t\*es ( h] own :i* gave x q a ,p]uvian appe>ance1 due p]haps m to ! pictures & ! ornam5ts :i* %e _h introduc$ r ?an any?+ else4 ,i suppose1 %e repli$1 at l5g?1 sl[ly1 & look+ at u z if %e w\ld bore "r ?r\gh into our m9ds1 ,i suppose y mean ! s*emes ( ,mr4 ,lockwood--& ,mr4 ,:itney4 ,k5n$y 0 n to be tak5 by surprise4 ,i h he>d ( _! s*emes1 too1 he repli$ noncommittally4 ,p]u seems to be a v]itable /oreh\se ( tales ( buri$ treasure4 ,let me tell y ab\t x1 %e ha/5$1 nodd+ at ! v words buri$ treasure4 ,i suppose y "k t ! old ,*imu tribes 9 ! nor? 7 ! weal?ie/ at ! "t ( ! com+ ( ! ,spani>ds8 ,craig nodd$1 & a mom5t lat] %e resum$1 z if try+ to m>%al h] ?\ghts 9 a logical ord]4 ,!y _h a cu/om !n ( bury+ ) _! dead all _! movable prop]ty4 ,graves 7 n dug sep>ately4 ,!re=e1 y see1 sometimes a common grave1 or huaca1 z x is call$1 w\ld be giv5 to _m4 ,t huaca w\ld become a ca*e ( treasure 9 "t4 ,x 0 sacr$ to ! dead1 & h5ce x 0 wick$ to t\* x4 ,! ,s5ora's face betray$ ! fact t1 :atev] mod]n civilization _h done = h]1 x _h n yet q succe$$ 9 elim9at+ ! old ideas4 ,back 9 ! e>ly "p ( ! sev5te5? c5tury1 %e cont9u$1 lean+ =w>d 9 h] *air eag]ly z %e talk$1 a ,spani>d op5$ a ,*imu huaca & f\nd gold t is said to h be5 wor? m ?an a million doll>s4 ,an ,indian told him ab\t x4 ,:o ! ,indian 0 does n matt]4 ,b ! ,spani>d 0 an ance/or ( ,don ,luis de ,m5doza1 :o 0 f\nd murd]$ to-day4 ,%e /opp$ %ort1 seem+ to enjoy ! surpris$ look on our faces at f9d+ t %e 0 will+ to discuss ! matt] s intimately4 ,aft] ! ,indian _h %[n ! ,spani>d ! treasure 9 ! m\nd1 %e pursu$1 ! ,indian told ! ,spani>d t he _h giv5 him only ! little fi%1 ! peje *ica1 b t "s day he w\ld give him ! big fi%1 ! peje gr&e4 ,i see t y already "k at lea/ a "p ( ! /ory1 anyh[4 ,yes1 admitt$ ,k5n$y1 ,i d "k some?+ ( x4 ,b ,i %\ld r get x m accurately f y\r lips ?an f ! he>say ( any "o else4 ,%e smil$ quietly to h]self4 ,i don't believe1 %e add$1 t y "k t ! peje gr&e 0 n ord9>y treasure4 ,x 0 ! temple gold4 ,:y1 "s ( ! temples 7 lit]ally plat$ ov] heavily ) pure gold4 ,t gold1 z well z :at _h be5 buri$ 9 ! huacas1 0 sacr$4 ,mansi*e1 ! supreme rul]1 laid a curse on x1 on any ,indian :o w\ld tell ( x1 on any ,spani>d :o might le>n ( x4 ,a curse lies on ! f9d+--yes1 ev5 on ! se>*+ = ! sacr$ ,gold ( ! ,gods4 ,x is "o ( ! mo/ awful curses t h ev] be5 utt]$1 t curse ( ,mansi*e4 ,ev5 z %e spoke ( x %e l[]$ h] voice4 ,i felt t no matt] h[ mu* education %e _h1 !re lurk$ back 9 h] bra9 "s ( ! primitive impulses1 z well z beliefs4 ,ei!r ! curse ( ,mansi*e on ! treasure 0 z real to h] z if its m]e t\* 7 poison\s1 or else %e 0 go+ out ( h] way to create t impression ) u4 ,someh[1 %e cont9u$1 9 a l[ tone1 t ,spani>d1 ! ance/or ( ,don ,luis ,m5doza1 obta9$ "s idea ( ! secret4 ,he di$1 %e said solemnly1 fla%+ a glance at ,craig f h] wond]ful eyes to /amp ! idea indelibly4 ,he 0 /abb$ by "o ( ! memb]s ( ! tribe4 ,on ! dagg]1 s ,i h he>d1 0 m>k$ ! secret ( ! treasure4 ,i felt t 9 a bygone age %e might h made a great prie/ess ( ! hea!n gods4 ,n[1 0 %e m ?an a clev] actress8 ,%e paus$1 !n add$1 ,t is my tribe--my family4 ,aga9 %e paus$4 ,= c5turies ! big fi% 0 a secret1 is /ill a secret--or1 at lea/1 0 until "s "o got x f my bro!r d[n 9 ,p]u4 ,! tradition & ! dagg] _h be5 intru/$ to him4 ,i don't "k h[ x happ5$4 ,someh[ he seem$ to gr[ crazy--until he talk$4 ,! dagg] 0 /ol5 f him4 ,h[ x happ5$1 h[ x came into ,pr(essor ,norton's h&s1 ,i d n "k4 ,b1 at any rate1 %e cont9u$1 9 ! same solemn tone1 ! curse has foll[$ x4 ,aft] my bro!r _h told ! secret ( ! dagg] & lo/ x1 8 m9d left him4 ,he ?rew himself "o day into ,lake ,titicaca4 ,h] voice broke dramatically 9 h] passionate outp\r+ ( ! trag$ies t _h foll[$ ! hidd5 treasure & ! ,inca dagg]4 ,n[1 "h 9 ,new ,york1 comes ?is awful dea? ( ,s5or ,m5doza1 %e cri$4 ,i don't "k1 no "o kn[s1 :e!r he _h obta9$ ! secret ( ! gold or n4 ,at any rate1 he mu/ h ?\ght he _h x4 ,he has be5 kill$ sudd5ly1 9 8 own home4 ,t is my answ] to y\r inquiry ab\t ! treasure-hunt+ company y m5tion$1 :atev] x may be4 ,i ne$ say no m ( ! curse ( ,mansi*e4 ,is ! ,gold ( ! ,gods wor? x8 ,!re c\ld be no d5y+ t x 0 real to h]1 :atev] we might ?9k ( ! /ory4 ,i recollect$ ! r\ghly pr9t$ w>n+s t _h be5 s5t to ,norton1 ,leslie1 ,k5n$y1 & myself4 ,_h !y1 !n1 "s significance8 ,i _h n be5 able to conv9ce myself t !y 7 ! "w ( a crank1 alone4 ,!re mu/ be "s "o to :om ! execution ( v5geance ( ! gods 0 an imp]ative duty4 ,unsup]/iti\s z ,i 01 ,i saw "h a real dang]4 ,if "s "o1 ei!r to pres]ve ! secret = himself or else call$ by div9e m&ate to rev5ge1 %\ld take a notion to c>ry out ! ?reats 9 ! f\r notes1 :at might n happ58 ,i _c tell y mu* m ( fact ?an y probably already "k1 %e rem>k$1 wat*+ our faces int5tly & not+ ! effect ( e ^w4 ,y "k1 ,i suppose1 t ! treasure has always be5 believ$ to be 9 a l>ge m\nd1 a tumulus ,i ?9k y call x1 visible f our t[n ( ,truxillo4 ,_m p h tri$ to op5 x1 b ! mass ( s& p\rs d[n on !m & !y h be5 disc\rag$4 ,no "o has ev] /umbl$ on ! secret8 qu]i$ ,k5n$y4 ,%e %ook h] head4 ,!re h be5 ^? :o h s\ght1 !re are ev5 ^? :o are seek+1 ! po9t j :]e to bore into ! m\nds4 ,if !y c\ld f9d x1 !y plan to con/ruct a well-timb]$ tunnel to keep back ! s& & to drive x at ! "r po9t to obta9 ?is fabul\s weal?4 ,%e v\*saf$ ! la/ in=mation ) a sort ( quiet assurance t convey$ ! idea1 )\t h] say+ x directly1 t any su* v5ture 0 someh[ doom$ to failure1 t desecrators 7 m]ely toy+ ) fate4 ,all ?r\gh h] /ory "o c\ld see t %e felt deeply ! d[nfall & betrayal ( h] bro!r1 foll[$ by ! trag$y to him aft] ! age-old secret _h slipp$ f 8 grasp4 ,0 !re /ill to be v5geance = 8 d[nfall8 ,surely1 ,i ?\ght to myself1 ,don ,luis de ,m5doza c\ld n h be5 9 possession ( ! secret1 unless he _h arriv$ at x1 ) ,lockwood1 9 "s o!r way ?an by deciph]+ ! almo/ illegible m>ks ( ! dagg]4 ,i ?\ght ( ,:itney4 ,_h he p]haps _h some?+ to d ) ! na/y bus9ess8 ,i happ5$ to glance at a huge pile ( works on m9+ eng9e]+ on ! table1 ! prop]ty ( ,alfonso4 ,%e saw me look+ at !m1 & h] eyes assum$ a f>-away1 dreamy impression z %e murmur$ some?+4 ,y mu/ "k t we real ,p]uvians h be5 s educat$ t we nev] explore ru9s = hidd5 treasure1 n ev5 if we h ! k ( eng9e]+ to d s4 ,x is a sort ( sacrilege to u to d t4 ,! gold 0 n our gold1 y see4 ,"s ( x belongs to ! spirits ( ! dep>t$4 ,b ! big treasure belong$ to ! gods !mselves4 ,x 0 ! gold :i* lay 9 %eets ov] ! temple walls1 sacr$4 ,no1 we w\ld n t\* x4 ,i wond]$ cynically :at w\ld happ5 if "s "o at t mom5t _h appe>$ ) ! au!nticat$ secret4 ,%e cont9u$ to gaze at ! books4 ,!re are pl5ty ( r>e *ances = a "y m9+ eng9e] 9 ,p]u )\t t4 ,app>5tly %e 0 ?9k+ ( h] son & 8 /udies at ! ,univ]sity z !y affect$ 8 future c>e]4 ,"o c\ld foll[ h] ?\ghts1 ev51 z !y flitt$ f ! treasure1 to ! books1 to h] son1 &1 f9ally1 to ! pretty girl = :om bo? he & ,lockwood 7 /ruggl+4 ,we are a peculi> race1 %e rum9at$4 ,we seldom int]m>ry ) o!r races4 ,we are z pr\d z ,s5or ,m5doza 0 ( 8 ,ca/ilian desc5t1 z pr\d ( our unmix$ l9eage z any desc5dant ( a 'belt$ e>l4' ,s5ora de ,mo*e made ! rem>ks ) a quiet dignity :i* left no d\bt 9 my m9d t ! race feel+ cut deeply4 ,%e _h ris5 n[1 & 9 place ( ! awesome fe> ( ! curse & trag$y ( ! treasure h] face 0 burn+ & h] eyes fla%$4 ,old ,don ,luis ?\ght ,i 0 good en\gh to amuse 8 idle h\rs1 %e cri$4 ,b :5 he saw t ,alfonso 0 9 love ) 8 daught]1 t %e might return t love1 !n ,i f\nd out bitt]ly t he plac$ u 9 ano!r class1 ano!r ca/e4 ,k5n$y _h be5 foll[+ h] closely1 & ,i c\ld see n[ t ! cross-curr5ts ( sup]/ition1 av>ice1 & race hatr$ 9 ! case pres5t$ a tangle t *all5g$ him4 ,!re 0 no?+ m t we c\ld extract f h] j !n4 ,%e _h rema9$ /&+1 z a g5tle rem9d] t ! int]view _h already be5 long4 ,k5n$y took ! h9t4 ,i wi% to ?ank y = ! tr\ble y h gone to1 he b[$1 aft] we1 too1 _h ris54 ,y h told me q en\gh to make me ?9k s]i\sly be=e ,i jo9 9 any su* und]tak+4 ,%e smil$ enigmatically4 ,:e!r x 0 t %e _h enjoy$ p5etrat+ our r clumsy excuse = see+ h]1 or t %e felt t ! horror ( ! curse _h impress$ u1 %e seem$ well cont5t4 ,we b[$ ourselves out1 &1 aft] wait+ a few mom5ts ab\t ! hotel )\t see+ ,:itney any:]e1 ,craig call$ a c>4 ,!y 7 "r1 0 8 only comm5t4 ,a mo/ baffl+ woman1 inde$4 ,,vii ,,! ,,arr[ ,,poison ,back aga9 9 ! laboratory1 ,k5n$y ?rew (f 8 coat & plung$ aga9 into 8 inve/igation ( ! blood sample he _h tak5 f ! w\nd 9 ,m5doza's body4 ,we _h sc>cely be5 back half an h\r be=e ! door op5$ & ,dr4 ,leslie's p]plex$ face look$ 9 on u4 ,he 0 c>ry+ a l>ge j>1 9 :i* he _h tak5 away ! mat]ials :i* he wi%$ to exam9e4 ,well1 ask$ ,k5n$y1 paus+ ) a te/-tube pois$ ov] a ,buns5 burn]1 h y f\nd any?+ yet8 ,i hav5't _h "t to get v f> ) my own te/s yet4 ,n a bless$ ?+1 return$ ! coron]4 ,i'm desp]ate4 ,"o ( ! *emi/s sugge/$ cyanide1 ano!r c>bon monoxide4 ,b !re is no trace ( ei!r4 ,!n he sugge/$ nux vomica4 ,x wasn't nux vomica2 b my te/s %[ t x mu/ h be5 some?+ v mu* l x4 ,i've look$ = all ! ord9>y kn[n poisons & "s ( ! little-kn[n alkaloids1 b1 ,k5n$y1 ,i always get back to ! same po9t4 ,!re mu/ h be5 a poison !re4 ,he did n die prim>ily ( ! w\nd4 ,x 0 asphyxia due to a poison t really kill$ him1 ?\gh ! w\nd might h done s1 b n q s quickly4 ,i c\ld tell by ! look t cross$ ,k5n$y's face t at la/ a ray ( light _h pi]c$ ! d>kness4 ,he rea*$ = a bottle on ! %elf labell$ spirits ( turp5t9e4 ,!n he p\r$ a little ( ! blood sample f ! j> :i* ! coron] _h br\ght into a clean tube & add$ a few drops ( ! spirits ( turp5t9e4 ,a cl\dy1 d>k precipitate =m$4 ,he smil$ quietly1 & said1 half to himself1 ,i ?\ght s4 ,:at is x8 ask$ ! coron] eag]ly1 nux vomica8 ,craig %ook 8 head z he />$ at ! black precipitate4 ,y 7 p]fectly "r ab\t ! asphyxiation1 ,doctor1 he rem>k$ sl[ly1 b wrong z to ! cause4 ,x 0 a poison--"o y w\ld nev] dream (4 ,:at is x8 ,leslie & ,i ask$ simultane\sly4 ,let me take all ^! samples & make "s fur!r te/s1 he said4 ,i am q sure ( x1 b x is new to me4 ,by ! way1 may ,i tr\ble y & ,leslie to g ov] to ! ,museum ( ,natural ,hi/ory ) a lett]8 ,x 0 evid5t t he want$ to "w un9t]rupt$1 & we agre$ readily1 especially because by go+ we might also be ( "s use 9 solv+ ! my/]y ( ! poison4 ,he sat d[n & wrote a ha/y note to ! director ( ! ,museum1 & a few mom5ts lat] we 7 spe$+ ov] 9 ,leslie's c>4 ,at ! big build+ we _h no tr\ble 9 f9d+ ! director & pres5t+ ! note4 ,he 0 a close fri5d ( ,k5n$y's & m ?an will+ to aid him 9 any way4 ,y w excuse me a mom5t8 he apologiz$4 ,i w get f ! ,s\? ,am]ican exhibit j :at he wants4 ,we wait$ sev]al m9utes 9 ! (fice until f9ally he return$ c>ry+ a g\rd1 incru/$ on its holl[ inside surface ) a k9d ( blacki% sub/ance4 ,t is :at he wants1 ,i ?9k1 ! director rem>k$1 wrapp+ x up c>efully 9 a box4 ,i don't ne$ to ask y to tell ,pr(essor ,k5n$y to wat* out h[ he h&les ! ?+4 ,he und]/&s all ab\t x4 ,we ?ank$ ! director & hurri$ out into ! c> aga91 c>ry+ ! package1 aft] 8 w>n+1 z ?\gh x 7 s mu* dynamite4 ,altoge!r1 ,i don't suppose t we c\ld h be5 gone m ?an an h\r4 ,we bur/ into ! laboratory1 b1 to my surprise1 ,i did n see ,k5n$y at 8 table4 ,i /opp$ %ort & look$ ar\nd4 ,!re he 0 ov] 9 ! corn]1 sprawl$ out 9 a *air1 a tank ( oxyg5 beside him1 f :i* he 0 inhal+ labori\sly copi\s draughts4 ,he rose z he saw u & walk$ un/eadily t[>d ! table4 ,:y--:at's ! matt]8 ,i cri$1 c]ta9 t m our abs5ce an attempt _h be5 made on 8 life1 p]haps to c>ry out ! ?reat ( ! curse4 ,n-no?+1 he gasp$1 ) an attempt at a smile4 ,only ,i--?9k ,i 0 "r--ab\t ! poison4 ,i did n l ! way he look$4 ,8 h& 0 un/eady & 8 eyes look$ badly4 ,b he seem$ q put out :5 ,i sugge/$ t he 0 work+ too h>d ov] ! case & _h bett] take a turn outdoors ) u & h a bite to eat4 ,y--y got x8 he ask$1 seiz+ ! package t conta9$ ! g\rd & unwrapp+ x n]v\sly4 ,he laid ! g\rd on ! table1 on :i* 7 also sev]al j>s ( v>i\s liquids & a numb] ( o!r *emicals4 ,at ! end ( ! table 0 a l>ge1 squ>e package1 f :i* s\nds issu$1 z if x conta9$ some?+ alive4 ,tell me1 ,i p]si/$1 :at has happ5$4 ,has any "o be5 "h s9ce we h be5 gone8 ,n a s\l1 he answ]$1 work+ 8 arms & %\ld]s z if to get rid ( "s heavy weight t oppress$ 8 *e/4 ,!n :at has happ5$ t makes y use ! oxyg58 ,i repeat$1 det]m9$ to get "s k9d ( answ] f him4 ,he turn$ to ,leslie4 ,x 0 no ord9>y asphyxiation1 ,doctor1 he said quickly4 ,leslie nodd$4 ,i c\ld see t1 he admitt$4 ,we h to deal 9 ?is case1 cont9u$ ,k5n$y1 8 w-p[] ov]com+ 8 weakness1 ) a poison :i* is app>5tly among ! mo/ subtle kn[n4 ,a p>ticle ( matt] s m9ute z to be h>dly di/+ui%able by ! nak$ eye1 on ! po9t ( a lancet or ne$le1 a prick ( ! sk9 n any?+ l t w\nd ( ,m5doza's1 7 necess>y4 ,b1 =tunately1 m ( ! poison 0 us$1 mak+ x j t mu* easi] to trace1 ?\gh = ! "t ! w\nd1 :i* might itself easily h be5 fatal1 ?rew u (f ! sc5t4 ,b giv5 ^! ?+s1 n all ! p[] 9 ! _w--unless "o 0 fully prep>$--c\ld save ! life ( ! p]son 9 ^: fle% ! w\nd 0 made4 ,craig paus$ a mom5t1 & we li/5$ brea?lessly4 ,?is poison1 ,i f9d1 acts on ! s-call$ endplates ( ! muscles & n]ves4 ,x produces complete p>alysis1 b n loss ( consci\sness1 s5sation1 circulation1 or respiration until ! end approa*es4 ,x seems to be "o ( ! mo/ p[]ful ag5ts ( :i* ,i h ev] he>d4 ,:5 introduc$ 9 ev5 a m9ute quantity x produces dea? f9ally by asphyxiation--by p>alyz+ ! muscles ( respiration4 ,?is asphyxia is :at puzzl$ y1 ,leslie4 ,he rea*$ ov] & took a :ite m\se f ! huge box on ! corn] ( ! table4 ,let me %[ y :at ,i h f\nd1 he said4 ,i am n[ go+ to inject a little ( ! blood s]um ( ! murd]$ man into ?is :ite m\se4 ,he took a ne$le & inject$ "s ( a liquid :i* he _h isolat$4 ,! m\se did n ev5 w9ce1 s lightly did he t\* x4 ,b z we wat*$1 its life seem$ g5tly to ebb away1 )\t pa91 )\t /ruggle4 ,its brea? simply seem$ to /op4 ,next he took ! g\rd :i* we _h br\ght & ) a knife scrap$ (f j ! m9ute/ p>ticle ( ! black1 licorice-l /uff t incru/$ x4 ,he dissolv$ ! p>ticle 9 "s alcohol1 & ) a /]iliz$ ne$le repeat$ 8 exp]im5t on a second m\se4 ,! effect 0 precisely simil> to t produc$ by ! blood on ! fir/4 ,i 0 int5t on :at ,craig 0 do+ :5 ,dr4 ,leslie broke 9 ) a "q4 ,may ,i ask1 he qu]i$1 :e!r1 admitt+ t ! fir/ m\se di$ at lea/ app>5tly 9 ! same mann] z ! second1 y h prov$ t ! poison is ! same 9 bo? cases8 ,& if x is ! same1 c y %[ t x affects human be+s 9 ! same way1 t en\gh ( x has be5 discov]$ 9 ! blood ( ,m5doza to h caus$ 8 dea?8 ,9 o!r words1 ,i want ! la/ d\bt set aside4 ,if ev] ,craig />tl$ me1 x 0 by 8 quiet reply3 ,i've isolat$ x 9 8 blood1 extract$ x1 /]iliz$ x1 & ,i've tri$ x on myself4 ,9 brea?less amazem5t1 ) eyes rivet$ on him1 we li/5$4 ,!n t 0 :at 0 ! matt]8 ,i blurt$ out4 ,y _h be5 try+ ! poison on ,,y\rself8 ,he nodd$ unconc]n$ly4 ,altoge!r1 he expla9$1 z ,leslie & ,i li/5$1 spee*less1 ,i 0 able to recov] f bo? blood samples six c5tigrams ( ! poison4 ,x is almo/ unkn[n4 ,i c\ld only be sure ( :at ,i discov]$ by te/+ ! physiological effects4 ,i 0 v c>eful4 ,:at else 0 !re to d8 ,i c\ldn't ask y fell[s to try x1 if ,i 0 afraid4 ,good heav5s6 gasp$ ,leslie1 & alone1 too4 ,y w\ldn't h let me d x1 if ,i hadn't got rid ( y1 he smil$ quietly4 ,leslie %ook 8 head4 ,tri$ x on ! dog & made himself ! dog6 exclaim$ ,leslie4 ,i ne$ ! cr$it ( a successful case--b ,i'll n take ?is "o4 ,k5n$y laugh$4 ,/>t+ ) two c5tigrams ( ! /uff z a mod]ate dose1 he pursu$1 :ile ,i li/5$1 /unn$ at 8 d>+1 ,i inject$ x into my "r arm subcutane\sly4 ,!n ,i sl[ly work$ my way up to ?ree & !n f\r c5tigrams4 ,y see :at ,i _h recov]$ 0 f> f ! real ?+4 ,!y did n seem at fir/ to produce any v appreciable results o!r ?an to cause "s dizz9ess1 slight v]tigo1 a consid]able degree ( lassitude1 & an extremely pa9ful heada*e ( r unusual duration4 ,good night6 ,i exclaim$4 ,didn't t satisfy y8 ,five c5tigrams consid]ably improv$ on x1 he cont9u$1 pay+ no att5tion to me4 ,x caus$ a degree ( lassitude & v]tigo t 0 mo/ di/ress+1 & six c5tigrams1 ! :ole am\nt :i* ,i _h recov]$ f ! samples ( blood1 gave me ! fright ( my life "r "h 9 ?is laboratory a few m9utes be=e y came 94 ,leslie & ,i look$ at ea* o!r & %ook our heads4 ,p]haps ,i 0 n wise 9 giv+ myself s l>ge an injection on a day :5 ,i 0 ov]heat$ & bel[ p> o!rwise1 because ( ! /ra9 ,i h be5 "u 9 h&l+ ?is case1 z well z o!r "w4 ,h[ev] t may be1 ! add$ c5tigram produc$ s mu* m on top ( ! five c5tigrams ,i _h previ\sly tak5 t = a "t ,i _h reason to fe> t t additional c5tigram 0 j ! am\nt ne$$ to br+ my exp]im5ts to a p]man5t close4 ,)9 ?ree m9utes ( ! "t ( injection ! dizz9ess & v]tigo _h become s great z to make walk+ seem impossible4 ,9 ano!r m9ute ! lassitude rapidly crept ov] me1 & ! s]i\s di/urbance ( my brea?+ made x app>5t to me t walk+1 wav+ my arms1 any?+1 0 imp]ative4 ,my lungs felt glu$ up1 & ! muscles ( my *e/ refus$ to "w4 ,ev]y?+ swam be=e my eyes1 & ,i 0 soon r$uc$ to walk+ up & d[n ! laboratory floor ) halt+ /eps1 only prev5t+ fall+ on ! floor by hold+ fa/ to ! edge ( ! table4 ,i ?\ght ( ! tank ( oxyg51 & manag$ to crawl ov] & turn x on4 ,i gulp$ at x4 ,x seem$ to me t ,i sp5t h\rs gasp+ = brea?4 ,x rem9d$ me ( :at ,i once exp]i5c$ 9 ! ,cave ( ! ,w9ds ( ,niag>a1 :]e wat] is m abundant 9 ! atmosph]e ?an air4 ,yet my wat* aft]w>d indicat$ only ab\t tw5ty m9utes ( extreme di/ress4 ,b t tw5ty m9utes is "o p]iod ,i %all nev] =get4 ,i advise y1 ,leslie1 if y are ev] s fooli% z to try ! exp]im5t1 to rema9 bel[ ! five-c5tigram limit4 ,believe me1 ,i'd r lose my job1 return$ ,leslie4 ,h[ mu* ( ! /uff 0 adm9i/]$ to ,m5doza1 w5t on ,k5n$y1 ,i _c say4 ,b x mu/ h be5 a good deal m ?an ,i took4 ,six c5tigrams :i* ,i recov]$ f ^! small samples are only n9e-t5?s ( a gra94 ,y see :at effect t mu* _h4 ,i tru/ t answ]s y\r "q8 ,dr4 ,leslie 0 too ov]:elm$ to reply4 ,:at is ?is deadly poison t 0 us$ on ,m5doza8 ,i manag$ to ask4 ,y h be5 =tunate en\gh to obta9 a sample ( x f ! ,museum ( ,natural ,hi/ory1 return$ ,craig4 ,x comes 9 a little g\rd1 or (t5 a calaba%4 ,?is is 9 a g\rd4 ,x is a blacki%1 brittle /uff1 incru/+ ! sides ( ! g\rd j z if x 0 p\r$ 9 9 ! liquid /ate & left to dry4 ,inde$1 t is j :at has be5 done by ^? :o manufacture x aft] a l5g?y & some:at secret process4 ,he plac$ ! g\rd on ! edge ( ! table1 :]e we c\ld see x closely4 ,i 0 almo/ afraid ev5 to look at x4 ,! fam\s travell]1 ,sir ,rob]t ,s*omburgk1 fir/ br\ght x into ,europe1 & ,d>w9 has describ$ x4 ,x is n[ an article ( comm]ce1 & is to be f\nd 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,ph>macoepia z a m$ic9e1 ?\gh1 ( c\rse1 x is us$ 9 only v m9ute quantities1 z a he>t /imulant4 ,craig op5$ a book to a place he _h m>k$4 ,"h's an acc\nt ( x1 he said4 ,two natives 7 "o day hunt+4 ,!y 7 arm$ ) bl[-pipes & quiv]s full ( poison$ d>ts made ( ?91 *>r$ pieces ( bamboo1 tipp$ ) ?is /uff4 ,"o ( !m aim$ a d>t4 ,x miss$ ! object ov]head1 glanc$ (f ! tree1 & fell d[n on ! hunt] himself4 ,?is is h[ ! o!r native report$ ! result3 ',quacca takes ! d>t out ( 8 %\ld]4 ,nev] a ^w4 ,puts x 9 8 quiv] & ?r[s x 9 ! /ream4 ,gives me 8 bl[-pipe = 8 little son4 ,says to me good-bye = 8 wife & ! village4 ,!n he lies d[n4 ,8 tongue talks no long]4 ,no sight 9 8 eyes4 ,he folds 8 arms4 ,he rolls ov] sl[ly4 ,8 m\? moves )\t s\nd4 ,i feel 8 he>t4 ,x goes fa/ & !n sl[4 ,x /ops4 ,quacca has %ot 8 la/ woorali d>t4' ,leslie & ,i look$ at ,k5n$y1 & ! horror ( ! ?+ sank deep into our m9ds4 ,woorali4 ,:at 0 x8 ,woorali1 or cur>e1 expla9$ ,craig sl[ly1 is ! well-kn[n poison ) :i* ! ,s\? ,am]ican ,indians ( ! upp] ,or9oco tip _! arr[s4 ,its pr9cipal +r$i5t is d]iv$ f ! ,/ry*nos toxif]a tree1 :i* yields also ! drug nux vomica1 :i* y1 ,dr4 ,leslie1 h m5tion$4 ,on ! tip ( t ,inca dagg] mu/ h be5 a l>ge dose ( ! dread cur>e1 ?is fatal ,s\? ,am]ican ,indian arr[ poison4 ,say1 ejaculat$ ,leslie1 ?is ?+ beg9s to look e]ie to me4 ,h[ ab\t t piece ( pap] t ,i s5t to y ) ! w>n+ ab\t ! curse ( ,mansi*e & ! ,gold ( ! ,gods4 ,:at if !re %\ld be some?+ 9 x8 ,i'd r n be a victim ( ?is cur>e1 if x's all ! same to y1 ,k5n$y4 ,k5n$y 0 ?9k+ deeply4 ,:o c\ld h s5t ! messages to u all8 ,:o 0 likely to h kn[n ( cur>e8 ,i confess t ,i _h n ev5 an idea4 ,all ( !m1 any ( !m1 might h kn[n4 ,! deep] we got into x1 ! m da/>dly ! crime aga9/ ,m5doza seem$4 ,involunt>ily1 ,i ?\ght ( ! beautiful little ,s5orita1 ab\t :om ^! t]rible ev5ts c5tr$4 ,?\gh ,i _h no reason = x1 ,i c\ld n =get ! fe> t %e _h = ,s5ora de ,mo*e1 & ! woman z %e _h be5 reveal$ to u 9 our late int]view4 ,i suppose a ,p]uvian ( av]age intellig5ce might "k ( ! arr[ poison ( ,indians ( ano!r c\ntry1 ,i v5tur$ to ,craig4 ,q possible1 he return$1 cat*+ imm$iately ! drift ( my ?\ghts4 ,b ! %oe-pr9ts indicat$ t x 0 a man :o /ole ! dagg] f ! ,museum4 ,x may be t x 0 already poison$1 too4 ,9 t case ! ?ief w\ld n h _h to "k any?+ ( cur>e1 w\ld n h ne$$ to /ab s deeply if he _h kn[n4 ,i mu/ confess t ,i 0 little fur!r along 9 ! solution ( ! my/]y ?an ,i _h be5 :5 ,i fir/ saw ,m5doza's body4 ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 did n seem to be worri$4 ,leslie _h long s9ce giv5 up try+ to =m an op9ion &1 n[ t ! nature ( ! poison 0 f9ally e/abli%$1 0 glad to leave ! case 9 our h&s4 ,z = me1 ,i 0 incl9$ to agree ) ,dr4 ,leslie1 &1 long aft] he _h left1 !re kept recurr+ to my m9d ^? words3 ,,bew>e ,,! ,,curse ,,( ,,mansi*e ,,on ,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods4 ,,viii ,,! ,,anonym\s ,,lett] ,i ?9k ,i w drop 9 to see ,s5orita ,m5doza1 consid]$ ,k5n$y1 z he cle>$ up ! mat]ials :i* he _h be5 us+ 9 8 inve/igation ( ! arr[ poison4 ,%e is a /udy to me--9 fact1 ! retic5ce ( all ^! p is h>d to combat4 ,z we ent]$ ! ap>tm5t :]e ! ,m5dozas liv$1 x 0 difficult to realize t only a few h\rs _h elaps$ s9ce we _h fir/ be5 introduc$ to ?is /range affair4 ,9 ! hall1 h[ev]1 7 /ill "s report]s wait+ 9 ! va9 hope t "s fragm5t ( a /ory might turn up4 ,let's h a talk ) ! boys1 sugge/$ ,craig1 be=e we ent]$ ! ,m5doza suite4 ,aft] all1 ! newspap] m5 are ! be/ detectives ,i "k4 ,if x wasn't = !m1 half our murd] cases w\ldn't ev] be solv$4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 'yell[ j\rnals' are m useful to a city ?an half ! detective =ce4 ,mo/ ( ! newspap] m5 knew ,craig intimately1 & lik$ him1 possibly because he 0 "o ( ! few p to-day :o realiz$ ! v important "p ^! "y m5 play$ 9 mod]n life4 ,!y cr[d$ ab\t1 eag] to int]view him4 ,b ,craig 0 clev]4 ,9 ! rapid fire ( conv]sation x 0 really he :o int]view$ !m4 ,lockwood has be5 "h a long "t1 volunte]$ "o ( ! m54 ,he seems to h con/itut$ himself ! gu>dian ( ,inez4 ,no "o gets a look at h] :ile he's ar\nd4 ,well1 y c h>dly blame him = t1 smil$ ,craig4 ,jeal\sy isn't a crime 9 t case4 ,say1 put 9 ano!r1 !re'd be an int]e/+ qu>t] ( an h\r if he 7 "h n[4 ,t o!r fell[--de ,moo*--:atev] 8 "n is1 is "h4 ,de ,mo*e--) h]1 n[8 qu]i$ ,k5n$y1 :eel+ sudd5ly4 ,! report] smil$4 ,he's a que] duck4 ,i 0 com+ up to relieve our o!r man1 :5 ,i saw him d[n on ! /reet1 hang+ ab\t ! corn]1 8 eyes rivet$ on ! entrance to ! ap>tm5t4 ,i suppose t 0 8 way ( mak+ love4 ,he's daffy ov] h]1 all "r4 ,i /opp$ to wat* him4 ,( c\rse1 he didn't "k me4 ,j !n ,lockwood left4 ,! ,spani>d div$ into ! drug /ore on ! corn] z ?\gh ! devil 0 aft] him4 ,y %\ld h se5 8 eyes4 ,if looks 7 bullets1 ,i w\ldn't give mu* = ,lockwood's life4 ,) two su* fell[s ab\t1 y w\ldn't cat* me mak+ goo-goo eyes at t *ick5--n on y\r life4 ,k5n$y pass$ ov] ! flippant mann] 9 view ( ! importance ( ! obs]vation4 ,:at d y ?9k ( ,lockwood8 he ask$4 ,pretty slick1 repli$ ano!r ( ! m54 ,he's ! goods1 all "r4 ,:y1 :at has he done8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,no?+ 9 p>ticul>4 ,b he came out to see u once4 ,y c't blame him = be+ a bit sore at u fell[s hang+ ab\t4 ,b he didn't %[ x4 ,in/ead he almo/ begg$ u to be c>eful ( h[ we ask$ que/ions ( ! girl4 ,( c\rse1 all ( u c\ld see h[ completely brok5 up %e is4 ,we hav5't bo!r$ h]4 ,9 fact1 we'd d any?+ we c\ld = h]4 ,b ,lockwood talks /raight f ! %\ld]4 ,y c see he's us$ to h&l+ all k9ds ( situations4 ,b did he say any?+1 has he done any?+8 p]si/$ ,k5n$y4 ,n-no1 admitt$ ! report]4 ,i c't say he has4 ,craig fr[n$ a bit4 ,i ?\ght n1 he rem>k$4 ,^! p ar5't giv+ away any h9ts1 if !y c help x4 ,x's my idea1 v5tur$ ano!r ( ! m51 t :5 ?is case breaks1 x w break all ( a sudd54 ,i %\ldn't wond] if we are 9 = "o ( ! s5sations ( ! ye>1 :5 x comes4 ,k5n$y look$ at him inquir+ly4 ,:y8 he ask$ simply4 ,no p>ticul> reason1 confess$ ! man4 ,only ! regul> detectives act s *e/y4 ,!y hav5't got a ?+1 & !y "k x1 only !y won't admit x to u4 ,o',connor 0 "h4 ,:at did he say8 ,no?+4 ,he w5t ?r\gh all ! motions--',n[1 p5s lift$1 boys1' & all t--talk$ a lot--& aft] x 0 all ov] he might h be5 sure no "o w\ld publi% a l9e ( 8 confid5ces4 ,!re wasn't a /ick ( copy 9 ! :ole ?+4 ,k5n$y laugh$4 ,o',connor's all "r1 he repli$4 ,we may ne$ him sorely be=e we get ?r\gh4 ,aft] all1 no?+ c take ! place ( ! organization ! police h built up4 ,y say de ,mo*e is 9 !re yet8 ,yes4 ,he seem$ v anxi\s to see h]4 ,we nev] get a ^w out ( him4 ,i've be5 ?9k+ :at w\ld happ5 if we tri$ to get him mad4 ,maybe he'd talk4 ,m likely he'd pull a gun1 caution$ ano!r4 ,excuse ,,me4 ,k5n$y said no?+1 evid5tly cont5t to let ! newspap] m5 g _! own sweet way4 ,he nodd$ to !m1 & press$ ! buzz] at ! ,m5doza door4 ,tell ,s5orita ,m5doza t x is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 he said to ,juanita1 :o op5$ ! door1 keep+ x on ! *a91 to be sure x 0 no unwelcome intrud]4 ,evid5tly %e _h _h ord]s to admit u1 = a second lat] we f\nd ourselves aga9 9 ! little reception room4 ,we sat d[n1 & ,i saw t ,craig's att5tion _h at once be5 fix$ on some?+4 ,i li/5$ int5tly1 too4 ,on ! o!r side ( ! heavy porti]es t cut u (f f ! liv+ room ,i c\ld di/+ui% l[ voices4 ,x 0 de ,mo*e & ,inez4 ,:atev] ! e?ics ( x1 we c\ld n help li/5+4 ,besides !re 0 m at /ake ?an e?ics4 ,evid5tly ! "y man 0 urg+ h] to d some?+ t %e did n agree )4 ,no1 we he>d h] say f9ally1 9 a quiet tone1 ,i _c believe x1 ,alfonso4 ,mr4 ,:itney is ,mr4 ,lockwood's associate n[4 ,my fa!r & ,mr4 ,lockwood approv$ ( him4 ,:y %\ld ,i d o!rwise8 ,de ,mo*e 0 talk+ e>ne/ly b 9 a v muffl$ voice4 ,we c\ld n make out any?+ except a few scatt]$ phrases :i* told u no?+4 ,once ,i fanci$ he m5tion$ 8 "m4 ,:atev] x 0 t he 0 urg+1 ,inez 0 firm4 ,no1 ,alfonso1 %e repeat$1 h] voice a little high] & excit$4 ,x _c be4 ,y mu/ be mi/ak54 ,%e _h ris51 & n[ mov$ t[>d ! hall door1 evid5tly =gett+ t ! fold+ doors beh9d ! porti]es 7 op54 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y & ,mr4 ,jameson are "h1 %e said4 ,w\ld y c>e to meet !m8 ,he repli$ 9 ! negative4 ,yet z he pass$ ! reception room he c\ld n help see+ u4 ,z ,inez greet$ u1 ,i saw t ,alfonso 0 mak+ a desp]ate ef=t to control 8 expression4 ,he seem$ to be conceal+ a bitt] disappo9tm5t4 ,see+ u1 he b[$ /iffly1 &1 ) j ! murmur ( a greet+1 excus$ himself4 ,he _h no soon] clos$ ! door to run ! gauntlet ( ! %>p eyes 9 ! hall ?an ! ,s5orita fac$ u fully4 ,%e 0 pale & n]v\s4 ,evid5tly some?+ t he _h said to h] _h greatly agitat$ h]4 ,yet ) all h] woman's skill %e manag$ to hide all outw>d traces ( emotion t might indicate :at x 0 t rack$ h] m9d4 ,y h some?+ to report8 %e ask$1 a trifle anxi\sly4 ,no?+ ( any great importance1 admitt$ ,craig4 ,0 x actually a look ( relief t cross$ h] face8 ,try z ,i c\ld1 x seem$ to me to be an anomal\s situation4 ,%e want$ ! murd]] ( h] fa!r caught1 naturally4 ,yet %e did n seem to be (f]+ u ! natural assi/ance t 0 to be expect$4 ,c\ld x be t %e suspect$ "s "o p]haps ne> & de> to h] ( hav+ "s k1 :i*1 n[ t ! de$ 0 done1 w\ld d m h>m ?an good if reveal$8 ,x 0 ! only conclusion to :i* ,i c\ld come4 ,i 0 surpris$ at ,k5n$y's next "q4 ,0 ! same idea 9 8 m9d1 also8 ,we h se5 ,mr4 ,:itney1 he v5tur$4 ,j :at are ,mr4 ,lockwood's relations ) him--& y\rs8 ,m]ely t ,mr4 ,lockwood & my fa!r 7 p>tn]s1 %e answ]$ ha/ily4 ,!y _h decid$ t _! int]e/s w\ld be m valuable by "s arrangem5t ) ,mr4 ,:itney1 :o controls s mu* d[n 9 ,p]u4 ,d y ?9k t ,s5ora de ,mo*e ex]cises a v great influ5ce on ,mr4 ,:itney8 ask$ ,craig1 purposely introduc+ ! "n ( ! ,indian woman to see :at effect x might h on h]4 ,oh1 %e cri$1 ) a little exclamation ( al>m1 ,i hope n4 ,yet x 0 evid5t t %e fe>$ s4 ,:y is x t y fe> x8 insi/$ ,k5n$y4 ,:at has %e done to make y fe> x8 ,i don't l h]1 return$ ,inez1 ) a fr[n4 ,my fa!r knew h]--too well4 ,%e is a s*em]1 an adv5turess4 ,once %e has a hold on a man1 "o _c say-- ,%e paus$1 !n w5t on 9 a diff]5t tone4 ,b ,i w\ld r n talk ab\t ! woman4 ,i am afraid ( h]4 ,nev] does %e talk to me t %e does n get some?+ out ( me t ,i d n wi% to tell h]4 ,%e is uncanny4 ,p]sonally1 ,i c\ld n blame ,inez = h] op9ion4 ,i c\ld und]/& x4 ,^? (t5 baleful eyes _h a p5etrat+ p[] t "o might easily fall a victim to4 ,b y c tru/ ,mr4 ,lockwood1 he return$4 ,surely he is pro( aga9/ h]1 aga9/ any woman4 ,inez flu%$4 ,x 0 evid5t t ( all ! m5 :o 7 int]e/$ 9 ! little beauty1 ,lockwood 0 fir/ 9 h] m9d4 ,yet :5 ,k5n$y put ! "q ?us %e hesitat$4 ,yes1 %e repli$1 ( c\rse1 ,i tru/ him4 ,x is n t woman :om ,i fe> ) him4 ,%e said x ) an air almo/ ( defiance4 ,!re 0 "s k9d ( /ruggle go+ on 9 h] m9d1 & %e 0 too pr\d to let u into ! secret4 ,k5n$y rose & b[$4 ,= ! pres5t he _h come to ! conclusion t if %e w\ld n let u help h] op5ly ! only ?+ to d 0 to help h] bl9dly4 ,half an h\r lat] we 7 at ,norton's ap>tm5t1 n f> f ! ,univ]sity campus4 ,he li/5$ int5tly z ,k5n$y told su* p>ts ( :at we _h done z he *ose4 ,at ! m5tion ( ! arr[ poison1 he seem$ />tl$ beyond measure4 ,y are sure ( x8 he ask$ anxi\sly4 ,positive1 n[1 reit]at$ ,k5n$y4 ,norton's face 0 drawn 9 deep l9es4 ,if "s "o has ! secret1 he cri$ ha/ily1 :o kn[s :5 & on :om next he may employ x8 ,com+ f him s soon aft] ! same idea _h be5 h9t$ at by ! coron]1 ,i c\ld n b be impress$ by x4 ,! v novelty ( ! ?+ is our be/ protection1 ass]t$ ,k5n$y confid5tly4 ,once hav+ discov]$ x1 if ,walt] gives ! ?+ its prop] value 9 ! ,/>1 ,i ?9k ! crim9al w be unlikely to try x aga94 ,if y _h _h z mu* exp]i5ce 9 crime z ,i h _h1 y w\ld see t x is n necess>ily ! unusual t is baffl+4 ,t may be ! sure/ way to trace x4 ,(t5 x is because a ?+ is s natural t x may be attribut$ to any p]son among sev]al1 equally well4 ,norton ey$ u ke5ly1 & %ook 8 head4 ,y may be "r1 he said d\btfully4 ,only ,i _h r t ?is p]son1 :oev] he may be1 _h few] weapons4 ,speak+ ( weapons1 broke 9 ,k5n$y1 y h _h no fur!r idea ( :y ! dagg] might h be5 tak58 ,!re seems to h be5 s mu* ab\t x t ,i did n "k1 he return$1 t ,i am almo/ afraid to h an op9ion4 ,i knew t its ?ree-sid$ %ea? inclos$ a %>p blade1 yet :o w\ld h dream$ t t blade 0 poison$8 ,y are lucky n to h scrat*$ y\rself ) x by accid5t :ile y 7 /udy+ x4 ,possibly ,i might h done x1 if ,i _h _h x 9 my possession long]4 ,x 0 only lately t ,i _h leisure to /udy x4 ,y knew t x might (f] "s clue to ! hidd5 treasure ( ,truxillo8 sugge/$ ,k5n$y4 ,h y any recollection ( :at ! inscriptions on x said8 ,yes1 return$ ,norton1 ,i _h he>d ! rum\rs ab\t x4 ,b ,p]u is a l& ( tales ( buri$ treasure4 ,no1 ,i c't say t ,i paid mu* m att5tion to x ?an y might h done if "s "o ass]t$ t he _h ano!r /ory ( ! treasure ( ,capta9 ,kidd4 ,i mu/ confess t only :5 ! ?+ 0 /ol5 did ,i beg9 to wond] :e!r1 aft] all1 !re might n be some?+ 9 x4 ,n[ x is too late to f9d out4 ,f ! mom5t :5 ,i f\nd t x 0 miss+ f my collection ,i h he>d no m ab\t x ?an y h f\nd out4 ,x is all l a dream to me4 ,i _c believe ev5 yet t a m]e bit ( ar*aeological & e?nological specim5 c\ld h play$ s important a "p 9 ! practical ev5ts ( real life4 ,x does seem impossible1 agre$ ,k5n$y4 ,b x is ev5 m rem>kable ?an t4 ,x has disappe>$ )\t leav+ a trace1 aft] hav+ play$ its "p4 ,if x _h be5 a m]e robb]y1 consid]$ ,norton1 "o might look = its reappe>ance1 ,i suppose1 9 ! curio %ops4 ,= to-day ?ieves h a ke5 appreciation ( ! value ( su* objects4 ,b1 n[ t y h une>!d its use aga9/ ,m5doza--& 9 su* a t]rible way--x is n likely t t w be :at w happ5 to x4 ,no1 we mu/ look else:]e4 ,i ?\ght ,i w\ld tell y1 conclud$ ,k5n$y1 ris+ to g4 ,p]haps aft] y h consid]$ x ov] night "s idea may occur to y4 ,p]haps1 said ,norton d\btfully4 ,b ,i hav5't y\r brilliant faculty ( sci5tific analysis1 ,k5n$y4 ,no1 ,i %all h to lean on y1 9 t1 n y on me4 ,we left ,norton1 app>5tly n[ m at sea ?an ev]4 ,at ! laboratory ,k5n$y plung$ into "s microphotographic "w t ! case _h sugge/$ to him1 :ile ,i da%$ (f1 "u 8 sup]vision1 an acc\nt ( ! discov]y ( cur>e1 & telephon$ x d[n to ! ,/> 9 "t to cat* ! fir/ morn+ edition1 9 ! hope t x might h "s effect 9 appris+ ! crim9al t we 7 h>d on 8 trail1 :i* he _h consid]$ cov]$4 ,i scann$ ! o!r pap]s eag]ly 9 ! morn+ = ,k5n$y1 hop+ to glean at lea/ "s h9ts t o!rs :o 7 work+ on ! case might h ga!r$4 ,b !re 0 no?+1 &1 aft] a ha/y bite ( breakfa/1 we hurri$ back to take up ! ?read ( ! inve/igation :]e we _h laid x d[n4 ,to our surprise1 on ! /eps ( ! ,*emi/ry ,build+1 z we approa*$1 we saw ,inez ,m5doza already wait+ = u 9 a high /ate ( agitation4 ,h] face 0 pale1 & h] voice trembl$ z %e greet$ u4 ,su* a dreadful ?+ has come to me1 %e cri$1 ev5 be=e ,k5n$y c\ld ask h] :at ! tr\ble 04 ,f h] h&bag %e drew out a crumpl$1 dirty piece ( pap] 9 an envelope4 ,x came 9 ! fir/ mail1 %e expla9$4 ,i c\ld n wait to s5d x to y4 ,i br\ght x myself4 ,:at c x mean8 ,k5n$y unfold$ ! pap]4 ,pr9t$ 9 l>ge *>act]s1 9 e way simil> to ! f\r w>n+s t _h be5 s5t to u1 0 j "o om9\s l9e4 ,we read3 ,bew>e ! man :o pr(esses to be a fri5d ( y\r fa!r4 ,i glanc$ f ! note to ,k5n$y1 !n to ,inez4 ,"o "n 0 9 my m9d1 & be=e ,i knew x ,i _h spok5 x4 ,lockwood8 ,i qu]i$ inadv]t5tly4 ,h] eyes met m9e 9 %>p defiance4 ,impossible1 %e exclaim$4 ,x is "s "o try+ to injure him ) me4 ,bew>e ( ,mr4 ,lockwood8 ,h[ absurd6 ,yet x mu/ h meant ,lockwood4 ,no "o else c\ld h be5 meant4 ,x 0 he1 mo/ ( all1 :o might be call$ a fri5d ( h] fa!r4 ,%e seem$ to see ! implication )\t a ^w f u4 ,i c\ld n help sympa?iz+ ) ! brave girl 9 h] /ruggle betwe5 ! attack aga9/ ,lockwood & h] love & confid5ce 9 him4 ,x did n ne$ words to tell me t evid5ce mu/ be ov]:elm+ to conv9ce h] t h] lov] might be involv$ 9 any mann]4 ,,ix ,,! ,,pap] ,,fibres ,k5n$y exam9$ ! anonym\s lett] c>efully = sev]al m9utes1 :ile we wat*$ him 9 sil5ce4 ,too clev] to use a typewrit]1 he rem>k$1 /ill reg>d+ ! note ?r\gh ! l5s ( a h&-glass4 ,almo/ any "o w\ld h us$ a ma*9e4 ,t w\ld h be5 due to ! errone\s idea t typewrit+ _c be detect$4 ,! fact is t ! typewrit] is p]haps a worse means ( conceal+ id5tity ?an is disguis$ h&writ+1 especially pr9t+ l ?is4 ,x doesn't af=d ! effective protection to ! crim9al t "o supposes4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! typewrit+ ( su* a note may be ! direct means by :i* x c be trac$ to its s\rce4 ,we c det]m9e :at k9d ( ma*9e x 0 done )1 !n :at p>ticul> ma*9e 0 us$ c be id5tifi$4 ,he paus$ & indicat$ a numb] ( little in/rum5ts :i* he _h tak5 f a draw] & laid on ! table1 z he tore (f a bit ( ! corn] ( ! %eet ( pap] & exam9$ x4 ,!re is "o ?+ ,i c d n[1 ?\gh1 he cont9u$4 ,i c /udy ! quality ( ! pap] 9 ?is %eet4 ,if x 7 only torn l ^? w>n+s we h already receiv$1 x might p]haps be mat$ ) ano!r piece z accurately z if ! act _h be5 p]=m$ be=e our eyes4 ,he pick$ up a little in/rum5t ) a small curv$ arm & a f9ely ?read$ screw t br\ght ! two flat surfaces ( ! arm & ! end ( ! screw toge!r4 ,!re is no su* good =tune 9 ?is case1 h[ev]1 he resum$1 plac+ ! pap] betwe5 ! two small arms4 ,b by measurem5ts made by ?is v]ni] micromet] calip] ,i c f9d ! precise ?ickness ( ! pap] z comp>$ to ! o!r samples4 ,he turn$ to a microscope & plac$ ! corn] ( ! pap] "u x4 ,!n he drew f ! draw] ! f\r scraps ( pap] :i* _h already be5 s5t to u1 z well z a pile ( photographs4 ,"u ord9>y circum/ances1 he expla9$1 ,i %\ld ?9k t :at ,i am do+ w\ld be utt]ly valueless z a clue to any?+4 ,b we are r$uc$ to ! m9utiae 9 ?is affair4 ,& to-day sci5ce is n ready to let any?+ pass z valueless4 ,he cont9u$ to look at ! v>i\s pieces ( pap] "u ! microscope4 ,i f9d "u microscopic exam9ation1 he w5t on1 address+ ,inez1 b n look+ up f ! eye-piece z he %ift$ ! pap]s1 t ! note y h receiv$1 ,s5orita ,m5doza1 is writt5 on a r uncommon l95 bond pap]4 ,lat] ,i %all take a numb] ( microphotographs ( x4 ,i h "h1 also1 ab\t a hundr$ microphotographs ( ! fibres 9 o!r k9ds ( pap]1 _m ( !m bonds4 ,^! ,i h accumulat$ f "t to "t 9 my /udy ( ! subject4 ,none ( !m1 z y c see1 %[s fibres resembl+ ?is "o 9 "q1 s t we may conclude t x is ( uncommon quality4 ,"h ,i h ! fibres1 also1 ( f\r pieces ( pap] t h already figur$ 9 ! case4 ,^! f\r correspond1 z well z ! ind5tures ( ! torn edges4 ,z = ! fibres1 le/ y %\ld "q ! accuracy ( ! me?od1 ,i may say t ,i "k ( a case :]e a man 9 ,g]many 0 arre/$1 *>g$ ) /eal+ a gov]nm5t bond4 ,he 0 n se>*$ until lat]4 ,!re 0 no evid5ce1 save t aft] ! arre/ a l>ge numb] ( spitballs 7 f\nd ar\nd ! c\rty>d "u 8 cell w9d[4 ,?is me?od ( comp>+ ! fibres ( ! regul> gov]nm5t pap] 0 us$1 & by x ! man 0 convict$ ( /eal+ ! bond4 ,i ?9k x is unnecess>y to add t 9 ! pres5t case ,i c see def9itely t n only ! f\r pieces ( pap] t bore w>n+s to u 7 ! same k9d1 b t ?is :ole %eet1 ) its anonym\s w>n+ to y1 is also ! same4 ,inez ,m5doza look$ at ,k5n$y z ?\gh he possess$ "s weird p[]4 ,h] face1 :i* _h already be5 />tl$ into an expression ( fe> at 8 m5tion ( ,lockwood1 n[ 0 pale4 ,o!r w>n+s8 %e repeat$ tremul\sly4 ,quickly ,k5n$y expla9$ :at _h already happ5$ to u1 wat*+ ! effect on h] z he read ( ! curse ( ,mansi*e & ! ,gold ( ! ,gods4 ,oh1 %e cri$1 ma/]+ h] emotion ) a h]oic ef=t1 ,i wi% my fa!r _h nev] become mix$ up 9 ! bus9ess4 ,ev] s9ce ,i 0 a little girl ,i h he>d ^! vague /ories ( ! big fi% & ! little fi%1 ! treasure1 & ! curse4 ,b ,i nev] ?\ght !y 7 any?+ b fairy tales4 ,y rememb]1 :5 ,i fir/ saw y1 ,i did n ev5 tell !m to y4 ,yes1 return$ ,k5n$y4 ,i rememb]4 ,b _h y no o!r reason8 ,did y1 d[n 9 y\r he>t1 ?9k !m really fairy tales8 ,%e %udd]$4 ,p]haps n1 %e murmur$4 ,b ,i h he>d en\gh ( y detectives to "k t y d n ?9k a woman's fe>s exactly evid5ce4 ,/ill !y might lead to evid5ce1 sugge/$ ,k5n$y4 ,%e look$ at him1 m />tl$ ?an ev]1 = already he _h giv5 h] a slight exhibition ( 8 p[]s4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 %e exclaim$1 ,i am positively afraid ( y1 afraid t e little ?+ ,i d may lead to some?+ ,i don't int5d4 ,!re 0 a frankness ab\t ! rem>k t w\ld h be5 flatt]+ f a man1 b f h] excit$ sympa?y4 ,no1 %e w5t on1 ,i h no?+ tangible--only my feel+s4 ,i fe> ,i mu/ admit t my fa!r _h enemies1 ?\gh :o !y are ,i _c tell y4 ,no1 x is all 9 my he>t--n 9 my head4 ,!re are ^? :om ,i dislike--& !re are ^? :om ,i l & tru/4 ,y may call me fooli%1 b ,i _c help tru/+--,mr4 ,lockwood4 ,%e _h n meant to say 8 "n1 & ,k5n$y & ,i look$ at h] 9 surprise4 ,y see8 %e cont9u$4 ,e "t ,i talk ,i say some?+1 convey "s impression t is ! opposite ( :at ,i wi%4 ,oh--:at %all ,i d8 ,h ,i no "o to tru/8 ,%e 0 cry+4 ,y may tru/ me1 ,s5orita1 said ,k5n$y1 9 a l[ tone1 paus+ be=e h]4 ,at lea/ ,i h no o!r int]e/ ?an f9d+ ! tru? & help+ y4 ,!re--!re4 ,we h _h en\gh to-day4 ,i _c ask y to try to =get :at has happ5$4 ,t w\ld be impossible4 ,b ,i c ask y1 ,s5orita1 to h fai?--fai? t x w all turn out bett]1 if y w only tru/ me4 ,:5 y feel /rong]--!n come to me4 ,tell me y\r fe>s--or n--:i*ev] does y ! mo/ good4 ,only keep y\r m9d f brood+4 ,face x all z y "k y\r fa!r w\ld h y d4 ,k5n$y's words 7 soo?+4 ,he seem$ to "k t te>s 7 ! safety-valve %e ne$$4 ,mr4 ,jameson w see t y get home safely 9 a taxicab1 he cont9u$4 ,y c tru/ him z y w\ld myself4 ,i c imag9e circum/ances "u :i* ,i w\ld h enjoy$ escort+ ,inez to h] home1 b today 0 n "o ( ! times4 ,yet %e seem$ s helpless1 s grateful = ev]y?+ we did = h] t ,i did n ne$ ev5 ! pressure ( h] little h& z %e hurri$ into ! ap>tm5t f ! c> ) a ha/y ^w ( ?anks4 ,y w tell ,mr4 ,k5n$y--y w bo? be--s c>eful8 %e hesitat$ be=e leav+ me4 ,i assur$ h] t we w\ld1 wond]+ :at %e might fe> = u1 z ,i drove away aga94 ,!re did n happ5 to be any ( ! newspap] m5 ab\t at ! "t1 & ,i did n /op4 ,back 9 ! laboratory1 ,i f\nd ,k5n$y arrang+ some?+ "u ! rug at ! door z ,i came up ! hall4 ,don't /ep !re1 ,walt]1 he caution$4 ,/ep ov] ! rug4 ,i'm expect+ visitors4 ,h[ 0 %e :5 %e arriv$ home8 ,i told him ( h] p>t+ injunction4 ,n bad advice1 he rem>k$4 ,i ?9k !re's a surprise back ( ^? w>n+s4 ,!y w]5't s5t j = effect4 ,he _h clos$ ! door1 & we 7 /&+ by ! table1 look+ at ! lett]s1 :5 we he>d a noise at ! door4 ,x 0 ,norton aga94 ,i've be5 ?9k+ ( :at y told me la/ night1 he expla9$1 be=e ,k5n$y _h a *ance to tell him to /ep ov] ! rug4 ,has any?+ else happ5$8 ,k5n$y toss$ ov] ! anonym\s lett]1 & ,norton read x eag]ly4 ,:om does x mean8 he ask$1 quickly glanc+ up1 !n add+1 ,x might mean any ( u :o are try+ to help h]4 ,exactly1 return$ ,k5n$y4 ,or x might be ,lockwood1 or ev5 de ,mo*e4 ,by ! way1 y "k ! "y man pretty well1 don't y8 ,i wond] if y c\ld f9d him any:]e ab\t ! ,univ]sity ?is morn+ & p]suade him to visit me8 ,i w try1 agre$ ,norton4 ,b ^! p are s v suspici\s j n[ t ,i c't promise4 ,norton w5t out a few m9utes lat] to see :at he c\ld d to locate ,alfonso1 & ,k5n$y replac$ ano!r blank %eet ( pap] = t "u ! rug on :i* ,norton _h /epp$ be=e we c\ld w>n him4 ,no soon] _h he gone ?an ,k5n$y rea*$ = ! telephone & call$ ,:itney's (fice4 ,lockwood 0 !re1 z he _h hop$1 &1 aft] a %ort talk1 promis$ to drop 9 on u lat] 9 ! morn+4 ,x 0 fully half an h\r be=e ,norton return$1 hav+ f9ally f\nd ,alfonso4 ,de ,mo*e ent]$ ! laboratory ) a suspici\s glance ab\t1 z ?\gh he ?\ght some?+ might h be5 plant$ !re = him4 ,i _h a mo/ int]e/+ talk ) y\r "m ye/]day1 began ,k5n$y1 endeav\r+ by frankness to put ! "y man at ease4 ,& ?is morn+1 already1 ,s5orita ,m5doza has call$ on me4 ,de ,mo*e 0 all att5tion at ! words4 ,b be=e he c\ld say any?+ ,k5n$y h&$ him ! anonym\s lett]4 ,he read x1 & 8 face cl\d$ z he h&$ x back4 ,y h no idea :o c\ld h s5t su* a note8 qu]i$ ,craig1 or to :om x might ref]8 ,he glanc$ at ,norton1 !n at u4 ,x 0 cle> t "s sort ( suspicion _h fla%$ ov] him4 ,no1 he said quickly1 ,i "k no "o :o c\ld h s5t x4 ,b :om does x mean8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 hold+ him to ! "p t he avoid$4 ,! "y man %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,%e has _m fri5ds1 he answ]$ simply4 ,yes1 p]si/$ ,k5n$y1 b few aga9/ :om %e might be w>n$ 9 ?is way4 ,y d n ?9k x is ,pr(essor ,norton1 = in/ance--or myself8 ,oh1 no1 no--h>dly1 he repli$1 !n /opp$1 realiz+ t he _h elim9at$ all b ,lockwood1 ,:itney1 & himself4 ,x c\ld n be ,mr4 ,lockwood8 dem&$ ,craig4 ,:o s5t x8 he ask$1 look+ up4 ,no--:om x w>ns aga9/4 ,de ,mo*e _h kn[n :at ,k5n$y meant1 b _h pref]r$ to po/pone ! answ]4 ,x 0 native nev] to come to ! po9t unless he 0 =c$ to d s4 ,he met our eyes squ>ely4 ,he _h n ! p5etrat+ p[] t 8 "m possess$1 yet 8 0 a %>p faculty ( obs]vation4 ,mr4 ,lockwood is v fri5dly ) h]1 he admitt$1 !n seem$ to ?9k some?+ else necess>y to r\nd out ! idea4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ,i might h told h] ! same myself4 ,s5orita ,m5doza has be5 a v de> fri5d--= a long "t4 ,i _h be5 s us$ to hav+ him evasive t n[ ,i did n exactly "k :at to make ( su* a bur/ ( confid5ce4 ,x 0 susceptible ( at lea/ two int]pretations4 ,0 he imply+ t x 0 s5t to ca/ suspicion on him1 because he felt t way himself or because he himself 0 h] fri5d8 ,!re h be5 o!r w>n+s1 pursu$ ,k5n$y1 bo? to myself & ,mr4 ,jameson1 z well z ,pr(essor ,norton & ,dr4 ,leslie4 ,surely y mu/ h "s idea ( ! s\rce4 ,de ,mo*e %ook 8 head4 ,none t ,i c ?9k (1 he repli$4 ,h y ask$ my "m8 ,n yet1 admitt$ ,k5n$y4 ,de ,mo*e glanc$ at 8 wat*4 ,i h a lecture at ?is h\r1 he rem>k$1 evid5tly glad ( an excuse to t]m9ate ! int]view4 ,z he left1 ,k5n$y accompani$ him to ! door1 c>eful himself to /ep ov] ! mat4 ,hello1 :at's new8 we he>d a voice 9 ! hall4 ,x 0 ,lockwood1 :o _h come up f d[nt[n4 ,cat*+ sight ( de ,mo*e1 h[ev]1 he /opp$ %ort4 ,! two "y m5 met face to face4 ,betwe5 !m pass$ a glance ( unconceal$ ho/ility1 !n ea* nodd$ /iffly4 ,de ,mo*e turn$ to ,k5n$y z he pass$ d[n ! hall4 ,p]haps x may h be5 s5t to div]t suspicion--:o c tell8 he :isp]$4 ,k5n$y nodd$ appreciatively1 not+ ! *ange4 ,at ! s\nd ( ,lockwood's voice bo? ,norton & ,i _h tak5 a /ep fur!r aft] !m out into ! hall1 ,norton some:at 9 advance4 ,z de ,mo*e disappe>$ = 8 lecture1 ,k5n$y turn$ to me f ,lockwood & caught my eye4 ,i read 9 8 glance t fell f me to ! mat t he wi%$ me quietly to ab/ract ! piece ( pap] :i* he _h plac$ "u x4 ,i b5t d[n & did s )\t ,lockwood see+ me4 ,:y 0 he "h8 dem&$ ,lockwood1 ) j a trace ( defiance 9 8 voice1 z ?\gh he fanci$ ! meet+ _h be5 fram$4 ,i h be5 %[+ ?is to e "o :o might help me1 return$ ,k5n$y1 go+ back into ! laboratory aft] giv+ me an opportunity to dispose ( ! %oe-pr9ts4 ,he h&$ ! anonym\s lett] & ! o!r w>n+s to ! "y soldi] ( =tune1 ) a brief explanation4 ,:y don't !y come out into ! op51 :oev] !y are8 comm5t$ ,lockwood1 lay+ ! pap]s d[n c>elessly aga9 on ! table4 ,i'll meet !m--if !y mean me4 ,:o8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,lockwood fac$ ,norton & ourselves4 ,i'm n a m9d read]1 he said significantly4 ,b x doesn't take mu* to see t "s "o wants to ?r[ a brick at me4 ,:5 ,i h any?+ to say ,i say x op5ly4 ,inez ,m5doza )\t fri5ds j n[ w\ld be a m>k1 w\ldn't %e8 ,8 /rong face & p[]ful jaw 7 set 9 a m5ac+ sc[l4 ,he w\ld be a bold man :o w\ld h come betwe5 ,lockwood & ! lady "u ! circum/ances4 ,y are confid5t ( ,mr4 ,:itney8 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 ,ask ,norton1 repli$ ,lockwood briefly4 ,he knew him long be=e ,i did4 ,norton smil$ quietly4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y %\ld "k :at my op9ion ( ,mr4 ,:itney is1 ,i ?9k1 repli$ ,norton confid5tly4 ,i tru/ t y w succe$ 9 runn+ ^! blackmail]s d[n1 pursu$ ,lockwood1 /ill /&+4 ,if ,i did n h m ?an ,i c att5d to already s9ce ! murd] ( ,m5doza ,i'd l to take a h& myself4 ,x beg9s to look to me1 aft] read+ t lett]1 z ?\gh !re 0 no?+ too l[ = !m to attempt4 ,i %all keep ?is late/ matt] 9 m9d4 ,if ei!r ,mr4 ,:itney or myself get any h9t1 we'll turn x ov] to y4 ,norton left %ortly aft] ,lockwood1 & ,k5n$y aga9 pick$ up ! lett] & scann$ x4 ,i c\ld le>n some?+1 ,i suppose1 if ,i analyz$ ?is pr9t+1 he consid]$1 b x is a t$i\s process4 ,let me see t envelope aga94 ,h-m1 po/m>k$ by ! upt[n sub-/ation1 mail$ late la/ night4 ,:oev] s5t x mu/ h done s n v f> f u "h4 ,lockwood seem$ to take x z ?\gh x appli$ to himself v readily1 didn't he8 ,mu* m s ?an de ,mo*e4 ,only = ! fact t ! fibres %[ x to be on pap] simil> to ! fir/ w>n+s1 ,i might h be5 incl9$ to d\bt :e!r ?is 0 bona fide4 ,at lea/1 ! s5d] mu/ realize n[ t x has produc$ no appreciable effect--if any 0 int5d$4 ,k5n$y's la/ rem>k set me ?9k+4 ,c\ld "s "o h s5t ! lett] n to produce ! effect app>5tly int5d$1 b ) ! ultimate object ( div]t+ suspicion f himself8 ,lockwood1 at lea/1 _h n seem$ to take ! lett] v s]i\sly4 ,x ,,! ,x-,,ray ,,read] ,i ?9k ,i'll pay ano!r visit to ,:itney1 9 spite ( all t ,norton & ,lockwood say ab\t him1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 consid]+ ! next /ep he w\ld take 9 8 inve/igation4 ,accord+ly1 half an h\r lat] we ent]$ 8 ,wall ,/reet (fice1 :]e we 7 met by a cl]k1 :o seem$ to rememb] u4 ,mr4 ,:itney is out j at pres5t1 he said1 b if y w be seat$ ,i ?9k ,i c rea* him by telephone4 ,z we sat 9 ! out] (fice :ile ! cl]k telephon$ f ,:itney's own room ! door op5$ & ! po/man ent]$ & laid "s lett]s on a table ne> u4 ,k5n$y c\ld n help see+ ! lett] on top ( ! pile1 & notic$ t x bore a /amp f ,p]u4 ,he pick$ x up & read ! po/m>k1 ,lima1 & ! date "s weeks previ\s4 ,9 ! l[] corn]1 und]scor$1 7 ! words ,p]sonal--,urg5t4 ,i'd l to "k :at is 9 t1 rem>k$ ,craig1 turn+ x ov] & ov]4 ,he appe>$ to be consid]+ some?+1 = he rose sudd5ly1 & ) a nod ( 8 head to himself1 z ?\gh settl+ "s qualm ( consci5ce1 %ov$ ! lett] into 8 pocket4 ,a mom5t lat] ! cl]k return$4 ,i've j _h ,mr4 ,:itney on ! wire1 he report$4 ,i don't ?9k he'll be back at lea/ = an h\r4 ,is he at ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t8 ask$ ,craig4 ,i don't "k1 return$ ! cl]k1 oblivi\s to ! fact t we mu/ h se5 t 9 ord] to "k ! telephone numb] he mu/ h kn[n :e!r ,mr4 ,:itney 0 !re or else:]e4 ,i %all come 9 aga91 rejo9$ ,k5n$y1 z we b[$ ourselves out4 ,!n to me he add$1 ,if he is ) ,s5ora de ,mo*e & !y are at ! ,edw>d ,alb]t1 ,i ?9k ,i c beat him back ) ?is lett] if we hurry4 ,a few m9utes lat]1 9 8 laboratory1 ,k5n$y set to "w quickly ov] an ,x-ray app>atus4 ,z ,i wat*$ him1 ,i saw t he _h plac$ ! lett] 9 x4 ,^! are :at are kn[n z 'l[ tubes1' he expla9$4 ,!y give out 's(t rays4' ,he cont9u$ to "w = sev]al m9utes1 !n took ! lett] out & h&$ x to me4 ,n[1 ,walt]1 he said brusquely1 if y w j hurry back d[n !re to ,:itney's (fice & replace t lett]1 ,i ?9k ,i w h some?+ t w a/oni% y--?\gh :e!r x w h any be>+ on ! case rema9s to be se54 ,at lea/ ,i c po/pone see+ ,:itney himself = a :ile4 ,i made ! trip d[n aga9 z rapidly z ,i c\ld4 ,:itney 0 n back :5 ,i arriv$1 b ! cl]k 0 !re1 & ,i c\ld n v well j leave ! lett] on ! table aga94 ,mr4 ,k5n$y w\ld l to "k :5 he c see ,mr4 ,:itney1 ,i said1 on ! spur ( ! mom5t4 ,c't y call him up aga98 ,! cl]k1 z ,i _h anticipat$1 w5t into ,:itney's (fice to telephone4 ,in/ead ( lay+ ! lett] on ! table1 :i* might h excit$ suspicion1 ,i /uck x 9 ! lett] slot ( ! door1 ?9k+ t p]haps !y might imag9e t x _h caught !re :5 ! po/man made 8 r\nds4 ,a mom5t lat] ! cl]k return$4 ,mr4 ,:itney is on 8 way d[n n[1 he report$4 ,i ?ank$ him1 & said t ,k5n$y w\ld call him up :5 he arriv$1 congratulat+ myself on ! good luck ,i _h _h 9 return+ ! lett]4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$1 a few m9utes lat]1 :5 ,i _h rejo9$ ,craig 9 ! laboratory4 ,he 0 por+ int5tly ov] :at look$ l a negative4 ,! possibility ( read+ ! cont5ts ( docum5ts inclos$ 9 a seal$ envelope1 he repli$1 /ill /udy+ ! %ad[graph closely1 has already be5 e/abli%$ by ! well-kn[n ,engli% sci5ti/1 ,dr4 ,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$4 ,^! ?9 sub/ances1 ?r\gh :i* ! rays us$ =m]ly to pass )\t leav+ an impression1 c n[ be easily radiograph$4 ,i look$ c>efully z he trac$ out some?+ on ! que] negative4 ,on x1 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%$4 ,x seems incr$ible1 ,i exclaim$1 sc>cely believ+ :at ,i actually saw4 ,x is almo/ l second sight4 ,k5n$y smil$4 ,any lett] writt5 ) ink hav+ a m9]al base c be radiograph$1 he add$4 ,ev5 :5 ! %eet is fold$ 9 ! usual way1 x is possible1 by tak+ a radiograph1 z ,i h done1 /]eoscopically4 ,!n e detail c be se5 /&+ 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 ,ah1 he cont9u$1 "h's some?+ int]e/+4 ,toge!r we manag$ to trace out ! cont5ts ( sev]al p>agraphs labori\sly1 ! gi/ ( :i* ,i give "h3 ,,lima1 ,,p]u4 ,,de> ,,:itney3 ,matt]s are progress+ v favorably "h1 consid]+ ! /oppage ( bus9ess due to ! w>4 ,i am do+ ev]y?+ 9 my p[] to cons]ve our int]e/s1 & n[ & !n1 ow+ to ! sc>city ( money1 am able to pick up a concession *eaply1 :i* w be ( imm5se value to u lat]4 ,h[ev]1 x is n s mu* ( bus9ess t ,i wi% to write y at ! pres5t "t4 ,y "k t my fri5d ,s5ora de ,mo*e1 ) h] son1 ,alfonso1 is at pres5t 9 ,new ,york4 ,d\btless %e has already call$ on y & tri$ to int]e/ y 9 h] own prop]ties "h4 ,i ne$ n advise y to be v c>eful 9 deal+ ) h]4 ,! o!r day ,i he>d a rum\r t may prove int]e/+ to y1 reg>d+ ,norton & 8 "w "h on 8 la/ trip4 ,z we "k1 he has succe$$ 9 f9d+ & gett+ out ( ! c\ntry an ,inca dagg] :i*1 ,i believe1 be>s a v important inscription4 ,i d n "k any?+ def9ite ab\t x1 z ^! p are v retic5t4 ,b no d\bt he has told y all ab\t x by ?is "t4 ,if x %\ld prove ( value1 ,i dep5d on y to let me "k1 s t ,i may act at ?is end accord+ly4 ,:at ,i am gett+ at is ?is3 ,i und]/& t f rum\rs & rem>ks ( ! ,s5ora %e believes t ,norton took an unfair advantage dur+ h] abs5ce4 ,:at ! inscription is ,i don't "k1 b f ! way ^! p d[n "h act "o w\ld ?9k t !y all _h a propriet>y int]e/ 9 ! relic4 ,:at x is all ab\t ,i don't "k4 ,b y w f9d ! ,s5ora bo? a ke5 bus9ess woman & an accompli%$ antiqu>ian1 if y h n already discov]$ x4 ,9 reg>d to ,lockwood & ,m5doza1 if we c get !m 9 on our side1 x ought to prove a w9n+ comb9ation4 ,!re are /ories "h ( h[ de ,mo*e has be5 play+ on ,m5doza's passions--%e's ?or\ghly unscrupul\s & ,don ,luis is some:at ( a ,don ,juan4 ,i write ?is to put y on gu>d4 ,h] son1 ,alfonso1 :om y p]haps h met also1 is ( ano!r type1 ?\gh ,i h he>d x said t he laid siege to ,inez ,m5doza 9 ! hope ( becom+ alli$ ) "o ( ! olde/ families4 ,su*1 at lea/1 is ! gossip d[n "h4 ,i _c presume to keep y po/$ at su* a di/ance1 b ?\ght ,i _h bett] write :at is 9 e "o's m\?4 ,z = ! inscrib$ dagg] :i* ,norton has tak5 ) him1 ,i rely on y to in=m me4 ,!re seems to be a great deal ( my/]y connect$ ) x1 & ,i am unable ev5 to haz>d a guess z to its nature4 ,=tunately1 y are on ! spot ,v s9c]ely y\rs1 ,,hagg]ty4 ,s1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 z he read ov] ! translation ( ! skiagraph :i* he _h jott$ d[n z we pick$ out ! lett]s & words1 t's h[ ! l& lies4 ,ev]ybody seems to h appreciat$ ! importance ( ! dagg]4 ,except ,norton1 ,i c\ld n help putt+ 9 9 disgu/4 ,& n[ x's gone1 he cont9u$1 j z ?\gh "s "o _h dropp$ x ov]bo>d4 ,i believe ,i w keep t appo9tm5t y made = me ) ,:itney1 aft] all4 ,?us x happ5$ t ,i f\nd myself a ?ird "t ent]+ ,:itney's build+4 ,i 0 ab\t to /ep into ! elevator1 :5 ,k5n$y tugg$ at my arm & pull$ me back4 ,hello1 ,norton1 ,i he>d him say1 z ,i turn$ & caught sight ( ! ar*aeologi/ j leav+ an elevator t _h come d[n4 ,norton's face pla9ly %[$ t he 0 worri$4 ,:at ! matt]8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 putt+ ! circum/ances toge!r4 ,:at has ,:itney be5 do+8 ,norton seem$ reluctant to talk1 b hav+ no alt]native motion$ to u to /ep aside 9 ! corridor4 ,x's ! fir/ "t ,i've talk$ ) him s9ce ! dagg] 0 /ol5--t is1 ab\t ! loss1 he said n]v\sly4 ,he call$ me up half an h\r ago & ask$ me to come d[n4 ,i look$ at ,k5n$y significantly4 ,evid5tly x mu/ h be5 j aft] 8 return to ! (fice & receipt ( ! lett] :i* ,i _h /uck 9 ! lett] slot4 ,he 0 v angry ov] some?+1 cont9u$ ,norton4 ,i'm sure x 0 n my fault if ! dagg] 0 /ol51 & ,i'm sure t manag+ an exp$ition 9 t ,god-=sak5 c\ntry doesn't give y "t to read e inscription1 especially :5 x is almo/ illegible1 "r on ! spot4 ,!re 0 "w en\gh = mon?s t ,i br\ght back1 along ) t4 ,sometimes ,:itney's unreasonable4 ,y don't ?9k he c\ld h kn[n some?+ ab\t ! dagg] all along8 v5tur$ ,craig4 ,norton puck]$ 8 eyes4 ,he nev] said any?+1 he repli$4 ,if he _h ask$ me to drop o!r ?+s = t1 :y1 ( c\rse1 ,i w\ld h done s4 ,we c't af=d to lose him z a contributor to ! exploration fund4 ,conf\nd x--,i'm afraid ,i've put my foot 9 x ?is "t4 ,k5n$y said no?+1 & ,norton cont9u$1 gr[+ m excit$3 ,ev]ybody's be5 talk+ to ,:itney1 tell+ him all k9ds ( ?+s--,lockwood1 ! de ,mo*es1 heav5 kn[s :o else4 ,:y don't !y come out & face me8 ,i've a notion to try to c>ry on my "w indep5d5tly4 ,no?+ plays hob ) s*ol>%ip l money4 ,y'd ?9k he own$ me body & s\l1 & ! collection1 too1 if y he>d him talk4 ,:y1 he accus$ me ( c>elessness 9 runn+ ! ,museum1 & heav5 kn[s ,i'm n ! curator--,i'm n ev5 ! janitor6 ,norton 0 excit$1 b ,i c\ld n help feel+ t he 0 also reliev$4 ,i've be5 prep>+ = ! "t :5 ,i'd h to cut loose1 he w5t on f9ally4 ,n[1 ,i suppose x is com+4 ,ah1 well1 p]haps x w be bett]--:o c tell8 ,i may n d s mu*1 b x w all be m9e1 ) no /r+s atta*$4 ,p]haps1 aft] all1 x is = ! be/4 ,talk+ ov] 8 tr\bles seem$ to d ,norton "s good1 = ,i am sure t he left u 9 a bett] frame ( m9d ?an we _h f\nd him4 ,k5n$y wi%$ him good-luck1 & we aga9 ent]$ ! lift4 ,we f\nd ,:itney 9 an ev5 great] /ate ( excitem5t ?an ,norton _h be54 ,i am sure t if x _h be5 any "o else ?an ,k5n$y he w\ld h ?r[n him out1 b he seem$ to feel t he mu/ control himself 9 our pres5ce4 ,:at d y "k ab\t t fell[ ,norton1 up at y\r place8 he dem&$1 almo/ be=e we _h seat$ ourselves4 ,a v h>d-work+1 ambiti\s man 8 colleagues tell me1 return$ ,k5n$y1 purposely ,i ?\ght1 z if x _h be5 a r$ rag flaunt$ be=e a bull4 ,h>d-work+--yes1 bell[$ ,:itney4 ,he has work$ me h>d4 ,i s5d him d[n to ,p]u--yes1 ,i put up mo/ ( ! money4 ,!n :at does he d8 ,j kids me along1 makes me ?9k he's accompli%+ a :ole lot--:5 he's actually s c>eless z to let himself be robb$ ( :at he gets ) my money4 ,i tell y1 y c't tru/ anybody4 ,!y all d\ble-cross y4 ,i swe>1 ,i ?9k ,lockwood & ,i ought to g x alone4 ,i'm glad ,i f\nd t fell[ out4 ,let himself be robb$--a f9e piece ( "w6 ,:y1 t fell[ c\ldn't see ?r\gh a b>n door--aft] ! horse 0 /ol51 he conclud$1 mix+ 8 metaphors 9 8 ang]4 ,evid5tly "s "o has be5 tell+ y some?+1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y4 ,we tri$ to see y twice ?is morn+1 b c\ldn't f9d y4 ,8 tone 0 "o calculat$ to impress ,:itney ) ! fact t he _h be5 wat*+ & _h "s idea ( :]e he really 04 ,:itney %ot a %>p glance at ,craig1 ^: face betray$ no?+4 ,ambiti\s--,i %\ld say s1 repeat$ ,:itney1 rev]t+ to ,norton to cov] up ?is new *ange ( ! subject4 ,well--let him be ambiti\s4 ,we c get along )\t him4 ,i tell y1 ,k5n$y1 no "o is indisp5sable4 ,!re is always "s way to get along--if y c't get ov] an ob/acle1 y c get ar\nd x4 ,i'll disp5se ) ,mr4 ,norton4 ,he's an exp5sive luxury1 anyh[4 ,i'm j z well satisfi$4 ,!re 0 real vexation 9 ,:itney's voice1 yet z he talk$ he1 too1 seem$ to cool d[n4 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ t bo? ,norton & ,:itney 7 p]haps j a bit glad at ! break4 ,_h bo? ( !m got out ( ea* o!r all t !y want$--,norton 8 reputation & ,:itney--:at8 ,he cool$ d[n s rapidly n[ t almo/ ,i began to wond] :e!r 8 ang] _h be5 g5u9e4 ,did he "k m ab\t ! dagg] ?an appe>$8 ,0 ?is 8 cov]--to dis[n ,norton8 ,x seems to me t ,s5ora de ,mo*e is ambiti\s = h] son1 too1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 t5aci\sly try+ to =ce ! conv]sation into ! *annel he *ose4 ,h['s t8 dem&$ ,:itney1 n>r[+ 8 eyes d[n into a squ9t at ,k5n$y's face1 a proce$+ t s]v$ by contra/ to emphasize ! abnormal condition ( ! pupils :i* ,i _h already notic$ bo? 9 8 eyes & ,lockwood's4 ,i don't ?9k %e'd object to hav+ him m>ry into "o ( ! lead+ families 9 ,p]u1 v5tur$ ,k5n$y1 p>aphras+ :at we _h already read 9 ! lett]4 ,p]haps ,s5orita ,m5doza h]self c be tru/$ to see to t1 ,:itney repli$ ) a quick laugh4 ,to say no?+ ( ,mr4 ,lockwood1 sugge/$ ,craig4 ,:itney look$ at him quizzically1 z ?\gh 9 d\bt j h[ mu* ?is man knew4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e puzzles me1 w5t on ,k5n$y4 ,i (t5 wond] :e!r sup]/ition or gre$ w\ld rule h] if x came to ! po9t 9 ?is matt] ( ! ,gold ( ! ,gods1 z !y all seem to call ! buri$ treasure at ,truxillo4 ,%e's a fasc9at+ woman1 b ,i c't help feel+ t ) h] "o is always play+ ) fire4 ,:itney ey$ u kn[+ly4 ,i _h long ago tak5 8 measure z a man q susceptible to a pretty face1 especially if accompani$ by a well-turn$ ankle4 ,i nev] discuss politics dur+ bus9ess h\rs1 he laugh$1 ) a self-satisfi$ air4 ,y w excuse me8 ,i h "s r important lett]s t ,i mu/ get (f4 ,k5n$y rose1 & ,:itney walk$ to ! door ) u1 to call 8 /5ograph]4 ,we _h sc>cely said good-bye & 7 ab\t to op5 ! out] door :5 x 0 pu%$ op5 f outside1 & ,lockwood bu/l$ 94 ,no m anonym\s lett]s1 ,i hope8 he qu]i$1 9 a tone :i* ,i c\ld n det]m9e :e!r s]i\s or s>ca/ic4 ,k5n$y answ]$ 9 ! negative4 ,n unless y h "o4 ,i8 ,i r ?9k ! ready lett]-writ]s "k bett] ?an to wa/e "t on me4 ,t little billet d\x seems to h q upset ! ,s5orita1 ?\gh4 ,i don't "k h[ _m times %e has call$ me up to see if ,i 0 all "r4 ,i beg9 to ?9k t :oev] wrote x has done me a good turn1 aft] all4 ,lockwood did n say x 9 a boa/ful way1 b "o c\ld see t he 0 greatly pleas$ at ! solicitude ( ,inez4 ,%e ?9ks x ref]r$ to y1 !n8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,evid5tly1 he repli$2 !n add$1 ,i won't say b t ,i h tak5 x s]i\sly1 too4 ,he slapp$ 8 hip pocket4 ,"u ! tail ( 8 coat bulg$ a blue-/eel automatic4 ,y /ill h no idea :o c\ld h s5t x1 or :y8 ,lockwood %ook 8 head4 ,:oev] he is1 ,i'm ready1 he repli$ grimly1 b[+ u out4 ,,xi ,,! ,,%oe-,,pr9ts ,i'm afraid we've neglect$ ! ,s5orita a bit1 9 our ef=ts to foll[ up :at clues we h 9 ! case1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 z we rode upt[n aga94 ,%e ne$s all ! protection we c give h]4 ,i ?9k we'd bett] drop ar\nd !re1 n[ t %e is pretty likely to be left alone4 ,accord+ly1 in/ead ( go+ back to ! laboratory1 we dropp$ (f ne> ! ap>tm5t ( ! ,m5dozas & walk$ ov] f ! subway4 ,z we turn$ ! corn]1 f> d[n ! long block ,i c\ld see ! entrance to ! ap>tm5t4 ,!re %e is n[1 ,i said to ,k5n$y1 cat*+ sight ( h] famili> figure1 clad 9 sombre black1 z %e came d[n ! /eps4 ,i wond] :]e %e c be go+4 ,%e turn$ at ! foot ( ! /eps &1 z *ance w\ld h x1 />t$ 9 ! opposite direction f u4 ,let u see1 answ]$ ,k5n$y1 quick5+ 8 pace4 ,%e _h n gone v f> be=e a man seem$ to spr+ up f n[h]e & meet h]4 ,he b[$1 & walk$ along beside h]4 ,de ,mo*e1 recogniz$ ,k5n$y4 ,alfonso _h evid5tly be5 wait+ 9 ! %ad[ ( an entrance d[n ! /reet1 p]haps hop+ to see h]1 p]haps z our newspap] fri5d _h se5 be=e1 to wat* :e!r ,lockwood 0 among h] call]s4 ,z we walk$ along1 we c\ld see ! little drama ) practically no fe> ( be+ se51 s e>ne/ly 7 !y talk+4 ,ev5 dur+ ! few m9utes t ! ,s5orita 0 talk+ ) him no "o w\ld h ne$$ to be told t %e really _h a great deal ( reg>d = him1 :atev] might be h] feel+s t[>d ,lockwood4 ,i %\ld say t %e wants to see him1 yet does n want to see him1 obs]v$ ,k5n$y1 z we came clos]4 ,%e seem$ n[ to h become re/ive & impati5t1 eag] to cut ! conv]sation %ort4 ,x 0 q evid5t at ! same "t t ,alfonso 0 deeply 9 love ) h]1 t ?\gh %e tri$ to put him (f he 0 p]si/5t4 ,i wond]$ :e!r1 aft] all1 "s ( ! tr\ble _h n be5 t dur+ 8 lifetime ! pr\d old ,ca/ilian ,don ,luis c\ld nev] h cons5t$ to ! m>riage ( 8 daught] to "o ( ,indian blood4 ,_h he left a legacy ( fe> ( a love =bidd5 by race prejudice8 ,9 any ev5t1 ! mann] ( ,alfonso's actions ab\t ! ,m5doza ap>tm5t 0 su* t "o c\ld easily imag9e 8 feel+s t[>d ,lockwood1 :om he saw c>ry+ (f ! prize "u 8 v eyes4 ,z = 8 "m1 ! ,s5ora1 we _h already se5 t ,p]uvians ( h] ca/e 7 also a pr\d old race4 ,h] son 0 ! apple ( h] eye4 ,might n "s ( h] feel+s be readily acc\nt$ =8 ,:o 7 ^! to scorn h] race1 h] family8 ,we _h walk$ along at a pace t f9ally br\ght u up ) !m4 ,z ,k5n$y & ,i b[$1 ,alfonso seem$ at fir/ to res5t our intrusion1 :ile ,inez seem$ r to welcome x z a div]sion4 ,c we n expect y8 ! "y man repeat$4 ,x w be only = a few m9utes ?is aft]noon1 & my "m has some?+ ( v great importance to tell4 ,he 0 half plead+1 half apologiz+4 ,inez glanc$ ha/ily ar\nd at ,k5n$y1 unc]ta9 :at to say1 & hop+ t he might indicate "s c\rse4 ,surreptiti\sly1 ,k5n$y nodd$ an affirmative4 ,v well1 !n1 %e repli$ reluctantly1 n to seem to *ange :at _h be5 h] pa/ refusal too sudd5ly4 ,i may ask ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 too8 ,he c\ld sc>cely refuse be=e u4 ,( c\rse1 he agre$1 quickly turn+ to u4 ,we 7 speak+ ab\t meet+ ?is aft]noon at f\r 9 ! tea room ( ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d4 ,y c come8 ,?\gh ! invitation 0 n ov]-graci\s1 ,k5n$y repli$1 ,we %\ld be delight$ to accompany ,miss ,inez1 ,i am sure4 ,we happ5$ to be pass+ ?is way & ?\ght we w\ld /op 9 to see if any?+ new _h happ5$4 ,j z we turn$ ! corn] we saw y disappe>+ d[n ! /reet1 & foll[$4 ,i tru/ ev]y?+ is all "r8 ,no?+ m has happ5$ s9ce ?is morn+1 %e return$1 ) a look t indicat$ %e und]/ood t ,k5n$y ref]r$ to ! anonym\s lett]4 ,i _h a little %opp+ to d4 ,if y w excuse me1 ,i ?9k ,i w take a c>4 ,?is aft]noon--at f\r4 ,%e nodd$ brightly z we assi/$ h] into a taxicab & left u ?ree /&+ !re on ! curb4 ,= a mom5t x 0 r awkw>d4 ,to ,alfonso h] leav+ 0 some:at z ?\gh ! sun _h pass$ "u a cl\d4 ,are y go+ up t[>d ! ,univ]sity8 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 ,yes1 respond$ ! "y man reluctantly4 ,!n suppose we walk4 ,x w\ld take only a few m m9utes1 sugge/$ ,k5n$y4 ,alfonso c\ld n v well refuse1 b />t$ (f at a brisk pace4 ,i suppose ^! tr\bles int]f]e s]i\sly ) y\r "w1 pursu$ ,craig1 z we fell into 8 /ride4 ,yes1 he admitt$1 al?\gh mu* ( my "w j n[ is only poli%+ (f :at ,i h already le>n$--gett+ y\r ,am]ican po9t ( view & me?ods4 ,y see1 ,i h _h an idea t ! canal w br+ bo? c\ntries into mu* clos] relations ?an be=e4 ,& if y w n le>n ( u1 we mu/ le>n ( y4 ,x is too bad we ,am]icans don't take m int]e/ 9 ! c\ntries s\? ( u1 admitt$ ,craig4 ,i ?9k y h ! "r idea1 ?\gh4 ,su* m5 z ,mr4 ,:itney are do+ _! be/ to br+ ! two nations clos] toge!r4 ,i wat*$ ! effect ( ! m5tion ( ,:itney's "n4 ,x seem$ di/a/eful1 only 9 a less] degree ?an ,lockwood's4 ,we d n ne$ to be exploit$1 he v5tur$4 ,my belief is t we %\ld n attract capital 9 ord] to take ?+s out ( ! c\ntry4 ,if we might keep our own e>n+s & trans=m !m into capital1 x w\ld be bett]4 ,t is :y ,i am do+ :at ,i am at ! ,univ]sity4 ,i c\ld n believe t x expla9$ ! :ole reason = 8 pres5ce 9 ,new ,york4 ,)\t a d\bt ! girl :o _h j left u weigh$ l>gely 9 8 m9d1 z well z 8 & 8 "m's ambitions1 bo? p]sonal & = ,p]u4 ,q reasonable1 accept$ ,k5n$y4 ,p]u = ! ,p]uvians4 ,yet !re seems to be su* untold weal? 9 ! c\ntry t tak+ out ev5 q l>ge sums w\ld n beg9 to exhau/ ! natural res\rces4 ,b !y are ours1 !y belong to u1 ha/5$ de ,mo*e1 !n caught ! drift ( ,k5n$y's rem>ks1 & 0 on 8 gu>d4 ,buri$ treasure1 l t :i* y call ! ,gold ( ! ,gods1 is always fasc9at+1 cont9u$ ,k5n$y4 ,! tr\ble ) su* easy money1 h[ev]1 is t x t5ds to corrupt4 ,9 ! e>ly days hi/ory records its ta9t4 ,& ,i d\bt :e!r human nature has *ang$ mu* "u ! v5e] ( mod]n civilization4 ,! treasure seems to leave its trail ev5 z f> away z ,new ,york4 ,x has at lea/ "o murd] to its cr$it already4 ,!re has be5 no?+ b murd] & robb]y f ! "t t ! peje *ica 0 discov]$1 ass]t$ ! "y man sadly4 ,y are q "r4 ,truly x w\ld seem to h be5 curs$1 add$ ,craig4 ,! _s ( ,mansi*e mu/1 inde$1 wat* ov] x4 ,i suppose y "k ( ! loss ( ! old ,inca dagg] f ! ,univ]sity ,museum & t x 0 t ) :i* ,don ,luis 0 murd]$8 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,k5n$y _h broa*$ ! subject to de ,mo*e1 & ,i wat*$ closely to see :at 0 its effect4 ,p]haps x 0 a w>n+1 comm5t$ ,alfonso1 9 a solemn tone1 t left me 9 d\bt :e!r x 0 purely sup]/iti\s dread or 9 ! nature ( a prophecy ( :at might be expect$ f "s qu>t] ( :i* we 7 ignorant4 ,y h kn[n ( ! exi/5ce ( ! dagg] always1 ,i presume1 cont9u$ ,k5n$y4 ,h y or any "o y "k ev] s\ght to discov] its secret & se>* x out8 ,i ?9k my "m told y we nev] dig = treasure1 he answ]$4 ,x w\ld be sacrilegi\s4 ,besides1 !re is m treasure buri$ by nature ?an t d$icat$ to ! gods4 ,!re is only "o tr\ble t may hurt our natural res\rces--! get-ri*-quick promot]4 ,i w\ld advise look+ out = him4 ,he fl\ri%es 9 a newly op5$ c\ntry l ,p]u4 ,t curse1 ,i suppose1 is mu* bett] und]/ood by ,am]icans ?an ! curse ( ,mansi*e4 ,b z = me1 y mu/ rememb] t ! curse is "p ( my religion1 z x 74 ,we _h rea*$ ! campus by ?is "t1 & p>t$ at ! gate1 ea* to g 8 way4 ,y w drop 9 on me if y he> any?+8 invit$ ,craig4 ,yes1 promis$ ,alfonso4 ,we %all see y at f\r4 ,) ?is p>t+ rem9d] he turn$ t[>d ! ,s*ool ( ,m9es :ile we deb\*$ (f t[>d ! ,*emi/ry ,build+4 ,! de ,mo*es are nobody's tools1 ,i rem>k$4 ,t "y man seems to h a pretty def9ite idea ( :at he wants to d4 ,at lea/ he puts x s be=e u1 0 all t ,k5n$y w\ld grant4 ,he seems to be z well in=m$ ( :at pass$ at t visit to ! ,s5ora z ?\gh he _h be5 !re too4 ,we _h sc>cely op5$ ! laboratory door :5 ! r++ ( ! telephone told u t "s "o _h be5 try+ to get 9 t\* = "s "t4 ,x 0 ,norton1 said ,k5n$y1 hang+ up ! receiv]4 ,i imag9e he wants to "k :at happ5$ aft] we left him & w5t up to see ,:itney4 ,t 01 9 fact1 j :at ,norton want$1 z well z to make cle> to u h[ he felt on ! subject4 ,really1 ,k5n$y1 he rem>k$1 x mu/ be f9e to feel t y\r *air 9 ! ,univ]sity is end[$ r ?an subsidiz$4 ,y saw h[ ,:itney act$1 y say4 ,:y1 he makes me feel z if ,i 7 8 hir$ man1 in/ead ( head ( ! ,univ]sity's exp$ition4 ,i'm glad x's ov]4 ,/ill1 if y c\ld f9d t dagg] & h x return$ x might look bett] = me4 ,y h no clue1 ,i suppose8 ,i'm gett+ clos] to "o1 repli$ ,craig confid5tly1 ?\gh on :at he c\ld base any optimism ,i c\ld n see4 ,! same idea seem$ to be 9 ,norton's m9d4 ,y ?9k y w h some?+ tangible soon8 he ask$ eag]ly4 ,i've _h m sl5d] ?reads ?an ^! to "w on1 reassur$ ,k5n$y4 ,besides1 ,i'm gett+ v little help f any ( y4 ,y y\rself1 ,norton1 at ! />t left me a good deal 9 ! d>k ov] ! hi/ory ( ! dagg]4 ,i c\ldn't d o!rwise1 he def5d$4 ,y und]/& n[1 ,i guess1 h[ ,i h always be5 ti$1 h& & foot1 by ! ,:itney influ5ce4 ,y'll f9d t ,i c be ( m s]vice1 n[4 ,j h[ did y get possession ( ! dagg]8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 & !re fla%$ ov] me ! recollection ( ! /ory told by ! ,s5ora1 z well z ! lett] :i* we _h purlo9$4 ,j pick$ x up f an ,indian :o _h an abnormal dislike to "w4 ,!y said he 0 crazy1 & ,i guess p]haps he 04 ,at any rate1 he lat] dr[n$ himself 9 ! lake1 ,i h he>d4 ,c\ld he h be5 made insane1 d y ?9k8 rum9at$ ,craig4 ,x's possible t he 0 ! victim ( somebody1 ,i und]/&4 ,! insanity might h be5 real en\gh )\t ! cause be+ natural4 ,t's an int]e/+ /ory1 return$ ,norton4 ,(fh&1 ,i c't seem to recall mu* ab\t ! fell[1 al?\gh "s "o else might h kn[n him v well4 ,evid5tly he ei!r did n "k ! tale z well z ! ,s5ora1 or 0 n prep>$ to take u entirely into 8 confid5ce4 ,:o is ,hagg]ty8 ask$ ,craig1 ?9k+ ( ! "n sign$ to ! lett] we _h read4 ,an ag5t ( ,:itney & 8 associates1 :o manages ?+s 9 ,lima1 expla9$ ,norton4 ,:y8 ,no?+--only ,i h he>d ! "n & wond]$ :at 8 connection might be4 ,i und]/& bett] n[4 ,k5n$y seem$ to be anxi\s to get to "w on some?+1 &1 aft] a few m9utes1 ,norton left u4 ,no soon] _h ! door clos$ ?an he took ! glass-bell j> (f 8 microscope & drew f a table draw] sev]al scraps ( pap] on :i* ,i recogniz$ ! m>ks left by ! c>bon %eets4 ,he set to "w on ano!r ( ^? pa9/ak+ tasks ( exam9ation1 & ,i retir$ to my typewrit]1 :i* ,i _h mov$ into ! next room1 9 ord] to leave ,k5n$y )\t any?+ t might di/ract att5tion f 8 "w4 ,"o aft] ano!r he exam9$ ! %eets :i* he _h m>k$1 />t+ ) a h&-l5s & !n us+ "o m p[]ful4 ,at ! top ( ! table lay ! specially prep>$ pap] on :i* he _h caught & pres]v$ ! m>ks 9 ! du/ ( ! ,egyptian s>cophagus 9 ! ,museum4 ,besides ^! ?+s1 ,i notic$ t he _h innum]able photographs1 _m ( :i* 7 labell$ ) ! /amp ( ! bureau 9 ! ,p>is ,palais de ,ju/ice1 ov] :i* ,b]tillon _h presid$4 ,"o aft] ano!r he look$ at ! c>bon pr9ts1 comp>+ !m po9t by po9t ) ! specially prep>$ copy ( ! %oe-pr9ts 9 ! s>cophagus4 ,x 01 aft] all1 a comp>atively simple job4 ,we _h ! pr9ts ( de ,mo*e & ,lockwood1 z well z ,:itney1 all ( !m cross$ by /eps f ,norton4 ,well1 :at d y ?9k ( t8 ,i he>d him mutt]4 ,i quit my typewrit]1 ) a piece ( pap] /ill 9 x1 & hurri$ into ! ma9 room4 ,h y f\nd any?+8 ,i %\ld say ,i _h1 he repli$1 9 a tone t betray$ 8 own a/oni%m5t at ! f9d4 ,look at t1 he indicat$ to me1 h&+ ov] "o ( ! %eets4 ,comp>e x ) ?is ,museum foot-pr9t4 ,) 8 p5cil ,k5n$y rapidly indicat$ ! tell-tale po9ts ( simil>ity on ! two %oe-pr9ts4 ,i look$ up at him1 conv9c$ n[ ( "s "o's id5tity4 ,:o 0 x8 ,i ask$1 unable to re/ra9 myself long]4 ,k5n$y paus$ a m9ute1 to let ! importance ( ! surprise be und]/ood4 ,! man :o ent]$ ! ,museum & conceal$ himself 9 ! s>cophagus 9 ! ,egyptian section adjo9+ ,norton's treasures1 repli$ ,k5n$y sl[ly1 0 ,lockwood himself6 ,,xii ,,! ,,evil ,,eye ,completely at sea z a result ( ! unexpect$ revelation ( ! %oe-pr9ts we _h f\nd 9 ! ,museum1 & ) suspicions n[ ?or\ghly ar\s$ aga9/ ,lockwood1 ,i accompani$ ,k5n$y to keep our appo9tm5t ) ! ,s5orita at ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t4 ,we 7 purposely a bit e>ly1 9 ord] to meet ,inez1 s t %e w\ld n h to be alone ) ! ,s5ora1 & we sat d[n 9 ! lobby 9 a little angle f :i* we c\ld look into ! tea room4 ,we _h n be5 sitt+ !re v long :5 ,k5n$y call$ my att5tion to ,:itney1 :o _h j come 94 ,almo/ at ! same "t he caught sight ( u1 & walk$ ov]4 ,i've be5 ?9k+ a good deal ( y\r visit to me j n[1 he began1 seat+ himself beside u4 ,p]haps ,i %\ld n h said :at ,i did ab\t y\r fri5d ,norton4 ,b ,i c\ldn't help x4 ,i guess y "k some?+ ab\t t dagg] he lo/1 don't y8 ,i h he>d ( ! 'great fi%' & ! 'little fi%' & ! 'curse ( ,mansi*e1' repli$ ,k5n$y1 if t is :at y mean4 ,someh[ ! ,inca dagg] seems to h be5 mix$ up ) !m4 ,yes--) ! peje gr&e1 ,i believe1 w5t on ,:itney4 ,b5ea? 8 ext]ior ( /udi$ calm ,i c\ld see t he 0 v mu* excit$4 ,if ,i _h n already not$ a peculi> physical condition 9 him1 ,i might h ?\ght he _h /opp$ 9 ! cafe ) "s fri5ds too long4 ,b 8 eyes 7 n ^? ( a man :o has _h too mu* to dr9k4 ,j !n ,s5orita ,m5doza ent]$1 & ,k5n$y rose & w5t =w>d to greet h]4 ,%e saw ,:itney1 & fla%$ an inquir+ glance at u4 ,we 7 wait+ = ,s5orita ,m5doza1 expla9$ ,k5n$y to bo? ,:itney & h]1 :5 ,mr4 ,:itney happ5$ along4 ,i don't see ,s5ora de ,mo*e 9 ! tea room4 ,p]haps we may z well sit out "h 9 ! corridor until %e comes4 ,x 0 evid5tly 8 desire to see h[ ,:itney & ,inez w\ld act1 = ?is 0 ! fir/ "t we _h ev] se5 !m toge!r4 ,we 7 talk+ ( ! treasure1 resum$ ,:itney1 omitt+ to m5tion ! dagg]4 ,k5n$y1 we are n ! only ones :o h s\ght ! peje gr&e1 or r are seek+ x4 ,b we are1 ,i believe1 ! only ones :o are seek+ x 9 ! "r place1 &1 he add$1 lean+ ov] confid5tially1 y\r fa!r1 ,s5orita1 0 ! only "o :o c\ld h got ! concession1 ! monopoly1 f ! gov]nm5t to seek 9 :at ,i am conv9c$ w be ! "r place4 ,o!rs h f\nd ! 'little fi%4' ,we %all f9d ! 'big fi%4' ,he _h rais$ 8 voice f ! :isp]1 & ,i caught ,inez look+ anxi\sly at ,k5n$y1 z mu* z to say1 ,y see8 ,he is l ! re/4 ,8 m9d is full ( only "o subject4 ,we %all f9d x1 too1 he cont9u$1 /ill speak+ 9 a high-pit*$ key1 no matt] :at ob/acles man or devil put 9 our way4 ,x %all be ours--= a simple piece ( eng9e]+--ours6 ,! curse ( ,mansi*e--p\f6 ,he snapp$ 8 f+]s defiantly z he said x4 ,!re 0 an air ( bravado ab\t 8 mann]4 ,i c\ld n help feel+ t p]haps 9 8 he>t he 0 n s sure ( himself z he w\ld h o!rs ?9k4 ,i wat*$ him closely1 & c\ld see t he _h sudd5ly become ev5 m excit$ ?an be=e4 ,x 0 z ?\gh "s diabolical =ce _h tak5 possession ( 8 bra91 & he f\ght x (f1 b 0 unable to conqu]4 ,k5n$y foll[$ ! />+ glance ( ,:itney's eyes1 :i* seem$ almo/ to pop out ( 8 head1 z ?\gh he 7 suff]+ f ! disease exoph?almic goitre4 ,i look$ also4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e _h come f ! elevator1 accompani$ by ,alfonso1 & 0 walk+ sl[ly d[n ! corridor4 ,z %e look$ to ! "r & left1 %e _h caught sight ( our little gr\p1 all except ,:itney1 ) our backs t[>d h]4 ,%e 0 n[ look+ fix$ly 9 our direction1 pay+ no att5tion to any?+ else4 ,:itney 0 a /udy4 ,i wond]$ :at c\ld be ! relations betwe5 ^! two1 ! frankly voluptu\s woman & ! calculat+ full-blood$ man4 ,:itney1 = 8 "p1 seem$ almo/ fasc9at$ by h] gaze4 ,he rose z %e b[$1 &1 = a mom5t1 ,i ?\ght t he 0 go+ ov] to speak to h]1 z if drawn by t intangible attraction :i* ,poe has s clev]ly express$ 9 8 ,imp ( ! ,p]v]se4 ,=1 cle>ly1 "o :o talk$ z ,:itney _h j be5 talk+ w\ld h to be on 8 gu>d ) t woman4 ,in/ead1 h[ev]1 he return$ h] nod & /ood /ill1 :ile ,k5n$y b[$ at a di/ance & signall$ to h] t we w\ld be 9 ! tea room directly4 ,i glanc$ up 9 "t to see ! anxi\s look on ! face ( ,inez *ange mom5t>ily into a fla% ( hatr$ t[>d ! ,s5ora4 ,at ! same mom5t ,alfonso1 :o 0 on ! o!r side ( 8 "m1 turn$ f look+ at a news/& :i* _h attract$ 8 att5tion & caught sight ( u4 ,!re 0 no mi/ak+ ! ard5t glance :i* he direct$ at ! fair ,p]uvian at my side4 ,i fanci$1 too1 t h] face s(t5$ a bit4 ,x 0 only = a mom5t1 & !n ,inez resum$ h] normal composure4 ,i won't deta9 y any long]1 rem>k$ ,:itney4 ,someh[1 :5 ,i />t to talk ab\t my--our plans d[n !re at ,truxillo ,i c\ld g on all night4 ,x is m>vell\s1 m>vell\s4 ,we hav5't any idea ( :at ! future holds 9 /ore4 ,no "o else 9 all ?is big city has any?+ l ! prospect :i* is be=e u4 ,gradually we are gett+ ev]y?+ into %ape4 ,:5 we are ready to g ahead1 x w be ! s5sation ( ,wall ,/reet--&1 believe me1 x takes mu* to ar\se ! ,/reet4 ,he may h be5 talk+ wildly1 b x 0 wor? :ile to li/5 to him4 ,=1 :atev] else he 01 ,:itney 0 "o ( ! mo/ p]suasive promot]s ( ! day4 ,m ?an t1 ,i c\ld well imag9e h[ any "o possess$ ( an imag9ation susceptible to ! influ5ce ( my/]y & tradition w\ld succumb to ! glitt]+ *>m ( ! magic words1 peje *ica1 & feel all ! gold-hunt]'s en?usiasm :5 ,:itney br\ght him into ! atmosph]e ( ! peje gr&e4 ,z he talk$1 visions ( hidd5 treasure seem$ to ?r[ a glam\r ov] ev]y?+4 ,"o saw gold54 ,y w excuse u8 apologiz$ ,k5n$y1 tak+ ,inez by ! arm4 ,if y are ab\t1 ,mr4 ,:itney1 ,i %all /op to *at ) y aga9 on ! way out4 ,rememb]--%e is a v rem>kable woman1 said ,:itney1 z we left him & />t$ = ! tea room4 ,8 tone 0 n exactly "o ( w>n+1 yet x seem$ to h co/ him an ef=t to say x4 ,i c\ld n reconcile x ) any o!r idea ?an t he 0 try+ to use h] 9 8 own plans1 b 0 /ill 9 d\bt ( ! outcome4 ,we p>t$ f him & ent]$ ! d>k5$ tea room1 ) its wick] tables & *airs1 & s(t lights1 gl[+ p9kly1 to simulate night 9 ! broad light ( aft]noon outside4 ,a f\nta9 spla%$ soo?+ly 9 ! c5tre4 ,ev]y?+ 0 done to l5d to ! place an exotic air ( romance4 ,alfonso & 8 "m _h *os5 a f> corn]1 deep] ?an ! re/ 9 ! %ad[s1 :]e two wick] settees 7 drawn up ab\t a table1 effectually cutt+ (f inquisitive eyes & e>s4 ,alfonso rose z we approa*$ & b[$ deeply4 ,i c\ld n help wat*+ ! two wom5 z !y greet$ ea* o!r4 ,won't y be seat$8 he ask$1 pull+ ar\nd "o ( ! wick] *airs4 ,x 0 !n t ,i saw h[ he _h contriv$ to sit next to ,inez1 :ile ,k5n$y manoeuvr$ to sit on ! end1 :]e he c\ld obs]ve !m all be/4 ,x 0 a r delicate situation1 & ,i wond]$ h[ ,k5n$y w\ld h&le x1 =1 al?\gh ,alfonso _h done ! invit+1 x 0 really ,craig :o 0 responsible = all[+ ,inez to accept4 ,! ,s5ora seem$ to recognize x1 also1 =1 al?\gh %e talk$ to ,inez1 x 0 pla9 %e _h him 9 m9d4 ,i h he>d f ,alfonso ab\t ! cruel dea? ( y\r fa!r1 %e began1 9 a s(t5$ tone1 & ,i hav5't _h a *ance to tell y h[ deeply ,i sympa?ize ) y4 ,( c\rse1 ,i am a mu* old] woman ?an y1 h se5 mu* m tr\ble4 ,b ,i "k t nev] 9 life d tr\bles seem ke5] ?an :5 life is "y4 ,& y\rs has be5 s h>%4 ,i c\ld n let x pass )\t an opportunity to tell y h[ deeply ,i feel4 ,%e said x ) an air ( s9c]ity t 0 v conv9c+1 s conv9c+1 9 fact1 t x %ook = ! mom5t ! long *a9 ( suspicion t ,i _h be5 =g+ bo? ( h] & h] son4 ,c\ld %e be su* a he>tless woman z to play on ! v he>t/r+s ( "o :om %e _h wrong$8 ,i 0 %ak51 moreov]1 by ! late discov]y by ,k5n$y ( ! foot-pr9ts4 ,! ,s5orita murmur$ h] ?anks = ! condol5ces 9 a brok5 voice4 ,x 0 evid5t t :atev] enmity %e bore aga9/ ! ,s5ora x 0 n t ( suspicion t %e 0 ! cause ( h] fa!r's dea?4 ,i c sympa?ize ) y ! m deeply1 %e w5t on1 because only lately ,i h lo/ a v de> bro!r myself4 ,already ,i h told ,pr(essor ,k5n$y some?+ ab\t x4 ,x 0 a matt] ( :i* ,i felt ,i mu/ speak to y1 = x may conc]n y1 9 ! v5ture 9 :i* ,mr4 ,lockwood & y\r fa!r 7 associat$1 & into :i* n[ ,mr4 ,:itney has ent]$4 ,inez said no?+1 & ,craig b[$1 z ?\gh he1 too1 wi%$ h] to g on4 ,x is ab\t ! 'big fi%' & ! concession :i* y\r fa!r has obta9$ f ! gov]nm5t to se>* = x4 ,! ,s5orita />t$ & grew a bit pale at ! ref]5ce1 b %e seem$ to realize t x 0 some?+ %e ought to he>1 & /eel$ h]self to x4 ,yes1 %e murmur$1 ,i und]/&4 ,z y no d\bt "k1 resum$ ! ,s5ora1 no "o has _h ! secret ( ! hid+-place4 ,x has be5 by m]e tradition t !y 7 go+ to dig4 ,t secret1 y may "k or may n "k n[1 0 9 reality conta9$ 9 ! inscriptions on an old ,inca dagg]4 ,inez %udd]$ at ! m5tion ( ! weapon1 a %udd] t 0 n lo/ on ! ,s5ora4 ,i h already told ,pr(essor ,k5n$y t bo? ! tradition & ! dagg] 7 h&$ d[n 9 my own family1 com+ at la/ to my bro!r4 ,z ,i said1 ,i don't "k h[ x happ5$1 b someh[ he seem$ to be gett+ crazy1 until he talk$1 & ! dagg] 0 /ol5 f him4 ,x came f9ally into ,pr(essor ,norton's h&s1 f :om x 0 9 turn /ol54 ,%e look$ at ,inez se>*+ly1 z if to discov] j :at %e knew4 ,i wond]$ :e!r ! ,s5ora suspect$ ! pres5ce ( ,lockwood's footpr9ts 9 ! s>cophagus 9 ! ,museum--:at %e w\ld d if %e did4 ,aft] he lo/ x1 %e cont9u$ rem9isc5tly1 my bro!r ?rew himself "o day into ,lake ,titicaca4 ,ev]y:]e ! trail ( t dagg]1 ( ! secret ( ! ,gold ( ! ,gods has be5 /a9$ by blood4 ,to-day ! _w sc(fs at curses4 ,b surely t gold mu/ be curs$4 ,x has be5 curs$ = u & ours4 ,%e spoke bitt]ly2 yet might %e n mean t ! loss ( ! dagg]1 ! secret1 0 a curse1 too8 ,!re is "o o!r ?+ ,i wi% to say1 & !n ,i w be ?r\gh4 ,f> back1 :5 y\r ance/ors came into ! c\ntry ( m9e1 an ance/or ( y\r fa!r lo/ 8 life ov] ! treasure4 ,x seems z if !re 7 a /range fatality ov] x1 z if ! ev5ts ( to-day 7 b liv+ ov] ! ev5ts ( ye/]day4 ,x is some?+ t we _c escape--fate4 ,%e paus$ a mom5t1 !n add$1 ,yet x might be possible t ! curse c\ld be remov$ if someh[ we1 :o 7 aga9/ ea* o!r !n1 might =get & be = ea* o!r n[4 ,b ,s5orita ,m5doza has n ! dagg]1 put 9 ,k5n$y1 wat*+ h] face ke5ly1 to read ! effect ( 8 rem>k4 ,%e has no idea :]e x may be4 ,!n x is pure tradition on :i* ,mr4 ,lockwood & ,mr4 ,:itney dep5d 9 _! se>* = ! treasure8 fla%$ back ! ,s5ora quickly4 ,k5n$y did n "k1 b he did n confess x4 ,until we "k diff]5tly1 we mu/ take _! ^w = x1 he evad$4 ,x 0 n t t ,i meant1 h[ev]1 repli$ ,s5ora de ,mo*e4 ,i meant t we might /op ! curse by ceas+ to hunt = ! treasure4 ,x has nev] done any "o good2 x nev] w4 ,:y tempt fate1 !n8 ,:y n pause be=e x is too late8 ,i c\ld n q cat* ! second>y implication ( h] plan4 ,did x mean t ! treasure w\ld !n be left = h] family8 ,or 0 %e h9t+ at ,inez accept+ ,alfonso's suit8 ,someh[ ,i c\ld n take ! ,s5ora at h] face value4 ,i con/antly felt t !re 0 an ult]ior motive back ( h] actions & words4 ,i saw ,craig wat*+ ! "y man's face1 & foll[$ 8 eyes4 ,!re 0 no d\bt ( h[ he took ! rem>k4 ,he 0 gaz+ ard5tly at ,inez4 ,if !re _h ev] be5 any d\bt ( 8 feel+s1 :i*1 ( c\rse1 !re _h n1 ?is w\ld h settl$ x4 ,"o ?+ m1 add$ ! ,s5ora1 z ?\gh %e _h _h an aft]?\ght1 & t is ab\t ,mr4 ,lockwood & ,mr4 ,:itney4 ,let me ask y to ?9k x ov]4 ,suppose !y h n ! dagg]4 ,!n are _! *ances bett] ?an o!rs8 ,& if !y h--%e paus$ to emphasize x--:at does t mean8 ,k5n$y _h turn$ 8 att5tion to ! ,s5orita4 ,x 0 evid5t t ! dilemma propos$ by de ,mo*e 0 n )\t weight4 ,%e _h n[ col\r$ a flam+ r$4 ,! woman _h /ruck h] 9 a vital spot4 ,mr4 ,lockwood is n "h to def5d himself1 ,inez said quietly4 ,i w n h him attack$ by innu5do4 ,%e _h ris54 ,nei!r ! ard\r ( ,alfonso nor ! se$s ( d\bt ( ! ,s5ora _h %ak5 h] fai?4 ,x 0 a te/ t ,k5n$y evid5tly 0 glad to h witness$4 ,= "s day %e might le>n ! tru? ab\t ! foot-pr9ts4 ,he und]/ood h] "* bett]4 ,! ,s5ora1 too1 _h le>n$ t if %e 7 to br+ pressure on ! girl %e might break h]1 b %e w\ld n b5d4 ,)\t ano!r ^w ,inez1 sc>cely b[+ /iffly1 mov$ out ( ! tea room1 & we foll[$1 leav+ ! "m & son !re1 baffl$4 ,i hope y w p>don me = all[+ y to come "h1 said ,k5n$y1 9 a l[ voice4 ,i did x because !re are c]ta9 ?+s t y ought to he>4 ,x 0 9 fairness to y4 ,i w\ld n h y delude y\rself ab\t ,mr4 ,:itney1 ab\t--,mr4 ,lockwood1 ev54 ,i want y to feel t1 no matt] :at y he> or see1 y c come to me & "k t ,i w tell y ! tru?4 ,x may hurt1 b x w be be/4 ,i ?\ght he 0 prep>+ ! way = a revelation ab\t ! foot-pr9ts1 b he said no?+ m4 ,oh1 t woman6 %e exclaim$1 z if to *ange ! subject4 ,i d n "k1 ,i _c say1 :y %e affects me s4 ,i saw a *ange 9 my fa!r1 :5 he knew h]4 ,i h told y h[ he 01 h[ sometimes ,i ?\ght he 0 mad4 ,did y notice a *ange 9 ,mr4 ,:itney1 or hav5't y kn[n him long en\gh8 ,& lately ,i h fanci$ t ,i see ! same sort ( *ange beg9n+ 9 ,mr4 ,lockwood4 ,at times !y become s excit$1 _! eyes seem />+1 z if "s fev] 7 wa/+ !m away4 ,fa!r seem$ to see /range visions1 & he> voices1 0 worse :5 he 0 alone ?an :5 he 0 9 a cr[d4 ,oh1 :at is x8 ,i c\ld ?9k ( no?+ else1 n ev5 :at %e 0 say+1 all ! "t ,i 0 ) h]4 ,!n y fe> t 9 "s way %e may be connect$ ) ^! /range *anges8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,i don't "k1 %e temporiz$2 b ! tone ( h] answ] 0 suffici5t to convey ! impression t 9 h] he>t %e did suspect some?+1 %e knew n :at4 ,oh1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 %e cri$ f9ally1 c't y see x8 ,sometimes--:5 %e looks out ( ^? eyes ( h]s--%e almo/ makes p d z %e pleases4 ,we _h come to ! taxicab /& be=e ! hotel1 & ,k5n$y _h already beckon$ to a cab to take h] home4 ,z he h&$ h] 9 %e turn$ ) a little %iv]4 ,don't please1 ?9k me fooli%1 %e add$1 ) bat$ brea?1 b (t5 ,i fe> t x is1 z we call x1 ! mal de ojo--! evil eye6 ,,xiii ,,! ,,poison$ ,,cig>ette ,!re 0 n a gra9 ( sup]/ition 9 ,k5n$y1 yet ,i c\ld see t he 0 pond]+ deeply :at ,inez ,m5doza _h j said4 ,0 x possible t !re might be some?+ 9 x--n objectively1 b subjectively8 ,might t v fe> :i* ! ,s5orita _h ( ! ,s5ora eng5d] a feel+ t w\ld produce ! v result t %e fe>$8 ,i knew t !re 7 /range ?+s t mod]n psy*ology 0 discov]+4 ,c\ld !re be "s sci5tific explanation ( ! evil eye8 ,k5n$y turn$ & w5t back into ! hotel1 to keep 8 appo9tm5t ) ,:itney1 & z he did s ,i reflect$ t1 :atev] cr$5ce might be giv5 ! evil-eye !ory1 !re 0 some?+ n[ be=e u t 0 a fact--! physical condition :i* ,inez _h obs]v$ 9 h] fa!r be=e 8 dea?1 saw n[ 9 ,:itney1 & =esaw 9 ,lockwood4 ,surely t 9 itself con/itut$ en\gh ( a problem4 ,we f\nd ,:itney 9 ! cafe1 sitt+ alone 9 a lea!r-cu%ion$ boo?1 & smok+ furi\sly4 ,i obs]v$ him n>r[ly4 ,8 eyes _h ev5 m ?an be=e t peculi>1 />+ look4 ,by ! mann] 9 :i* 8 ve9s /ood out ,i c\ld see t 8 he>t action mu/ be v rapid4 ,well1 he rem>k$1 z we seat$ ourselves1 h[ did y come out 9 y\r tete-a-tete8 ,ab\t z ,i expect$1 answ]$ ,k5n$y non*alantly4 ,i let x g on m]ely because ,i want$ ,s5orita ,m5doza to he> c]ta9 ?+s1 & ,i ?\ght t ! ,s5ora c\ld tell !m be/4 ,"o ( !m relat$ to ! hi/ory ( t dagg]4 ,i ?\ght ,:itney's eyes w\ld pop out ( 8 head4 ,:at ab\t x8 he ask$4 ,well1 repli$ ,k5n$y briefly1 !re 0 ! /ory ( h[ h] bro!r _h x & 0 driv5 crazy until he gave x up to somebody1 !n committ$ suicide by ?r[+ himself into ,titicaca4 ,! o!r 0 ! tradition t 9 ! days aft] ,piz>ro a ,m5doza 0 murd]$ by x1 j z h] fa!r has n[ be5 murd]$4 ,:itney 0 li/5+ int5tly1 & seem$ to be ?9k+ deeply ( some?+4 ,d y "k1 he said f9ally1 ) a nod to indicate t he knew :at x 0 t ,k5n$y ref]r$ to1 ,i've be5 ?9k+ ( t de ,mo*e woman a good deal s9ce ,i left y ) h]4 ,i've _h "s deal+s ) h]4 ,he look$ at ,k5n$y %rewdly1 z ?\gh he w\ld h lik$ to ask :e!r %e _h said any?+ ab\t him1 b did n because he knew ,k5n$y w\ld n tell4 ,he 0 try+ to figure out "s o!r way ( f9d+ out4 ,sometimes ,i ?9k %e is try+ to d\ble-cross me1 he said1 at l5g?4 ,i "k t :5 %e talks to o!rs ab\t me %e says _m ?+s t ar5't s4 ,yet :5 %e is ) me ev]y?+ is f9e1 & %e is ready soon to jo9 u1 use h] influ5ce ) influ5tial ,p]uvians2 9 fact1 !re isn't any?+ %e won't d--manana1 to-morr[4 ,all t ,:itney said we n[ knew to be true4 ,%e has "o int]e/+ dilemma1 h[ev]1 :i* ,i d n m9d tell+ y1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y at l5g?4 ,%e _c expect me to keep secret :at %e said be=e all ( u4 ,inez ,m5doza w\ld m5tion x1 anyh[4 ,:at 0 t8 qu]i$ ,:itney1 dissembl+ 8 int]e/4 ,:y1 repli$ ,k5n$y sl[ly1 x 0 t1 ) ! plans = digg+ = ! treasure :i* y say y h1 suppose y & ,lockwood & y\r associates h n ! dagg]--h[ are y bett] (f ?an previ\s hunt]s8 ,& suppos+ y h x--:at does t imply8 ,:itney ?\ght a mom5t ov] ! la/ proposition ( ! dilemma4 ,imply8 he repeat$ sl[ly4 ,!n ! significance ( x seem$ to dawn on him1 ! possession ( ! dagg] & its implication 9 reg>d to ! murd] ( ,m5doza4 ,well1 he answ]$1 we hav5't ! dagg]4 ,y "k t4 ,b1 on ! o!r h&1 we ?9k our plans = gett+ at ! treasure are bett] ?an any "o else has ev] _h1 m c]ta9 ( success4 ,yet ! possession ( ! dagg]1 ) its inscription1 is ! only ?+ t absolutely insures success1 obs]v$ ,k5n$y4 ,t's true en\gh1 agre$ ,:itney4 ,conf\nd t man ,norton4 ,h[ c\ld he be su* a boob z to let ! *ance slip ?r\gh 8 f+]s8 ,he nev] told y ( x8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,yes1 he told me ( ! dagg]1 b hadn't read ! inscription1 he said1 answ]$ ,:itney4 ,i 0 s busy at ! "t ) ,lockwood & ,m5doza1 :o _h ! concession to dig = ! treasure1 t ,i didn't pay mu* att5tion to :at ,norton br\ght back4 ,i ?\ght t c\ld wait until ,lockwood _h be5 p]suad$ to jo9 ! int]e/s ,i repres5t4 ,did ,lockwood or ,m5doza "k ab\t ! dagg] & its importance8 sugge/$ ,craig4 ,if !y did1 !y nev] said any?+ ab\t x1 return$ ,:itney promptly4 ,m5doza is dead4 ,lockwood tells me he knew no?+ ab\t x until v lately--s9ce ! murd]1 ,i suppose4 ,y suppose8 p]si/$ ,k5n$y4 ,are y sure t he knew no?+ ab\t x be=e8 ,no1 confess$ ,:itney1 ,i'm n sure4 ,only ,i say t he told me no?+ ( x4 ,!n he might h kn[n8 ,might h4 ,b ,i don't ?9k x v probable4 ,:itney seem$ to be turn+ some?+ ov] 9 8 m9d4 ,sudd5ly he br\ght 8 fi/ d[n on ! little r\nd table be=e u1 rattl+ ! glasses4 ,d y "k1 he exclaim$1 ! m ,i ?9k ab\t x1 ! m conv9c$ ,i am t ,norton ought to be held to acc\nt = t loss6 ,he ought to h kn[n4 ,!n ! presumption is t he did "k4 ,by heav51 ,i'm go+ to h t fell[ wat*$4 ,i'm go+ to d x to-day1 too4 ,i don't tru/ him4 ,he %all n d\ble-cross me--ev5 if t woman does6 ,i wond]$ :e!r ,:itney 0 bluff+4 ,if he 01 he 0 mak+ a lot ( fuss ov] x4 ,he talk$ m & m wildly1 z he grew m excit$ ov] 8 late/ idea4 ,i'll h detectives put on 8 trail1 he blu/]$4 ,i'll talk x ov] ) ,lockwood4 ,he nev] lik$ ! man4 ,:at did ,lockwood say ab\t ,norton8 ask$ ,k5n$y casually4 ,:itney ey$ u a mom5t4 ,say1 he ejaculat$1 x 0 ,norton br\ght y into ?is case1 wasn't x8 ,i _c d5y t1 return$ ,k5n$y quietly1 meet+ 8 eyes4 ,b x is ,inez ,m5doza n[ t keeps me 9 x4 ,s--y're ano!r rival1 are y8 purr$ ,:itney s>ca/ically4 ,lockwood & de ,mo*e ar5't en\gh4 ,i h a sneak+ suspicion t ,norton himself is "o ( !m4 ,n[ x's y1 too4 ,i suppose ,mr4 ,jameson is ano!r4 ,well1 if ,i 0 t5 ye>s y\ng]1 ,i'd cut y all out1 or "k ! reason :y4 ,oh1 ,,yes1 ,i ?9k ,i w ,,n tell y :at ,mr4 ,lockwood suspects4 ,) e s5t5ce ! ve9s ( ,:itney's =ehead /ood out fur!r1 until n[ !y 7 l :ipcords4 ,8 eyes & face 7 fairly apoplectic4 ,sl[ly ! conviction 0 =c$ on me4 ,! man act$ = all ! _w l "o affect$ by a drug4 ,well1 he w5t on1 y may tell ,norton = me t ,i am go+ to h him wat*$4 ,t w ?r[ a sc>e into him4 ,at lea/ x %[$ t ! brea* betwe5 ,:itney & ,norton 0 deep4 ,k5n$y li/5$ )\t say+ mu*1 b ,i knew t he 0 gratifi$4 ,he 0 play+ ,lockwood aga9/ de ,mo*e1 ! ,s5ora aga9/ ,inez4 ,n[ if ,:itney w\ld play himself aga9/ ,norton1 out ( ! tangle might em]ge j ! clues he ne$$4 ,= :5 p get fight+ among !mselves ! tru? comes out4 ,v well1 rem>k$ ,craig1 ris+1 ) a hurri$ glance at ,:itney's apoplectic face1 g z f> z y l4 ,i ?9k we und]/& ea* o!r bett]1 n[4 ,:itney said no?+1 b1 ris+ also1 turn$ on 8 heel & walk$ delib]ately out ( ! cafe into ! corridor ( ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t1 leav+ u /&+ !re4 ,k5n$y lean$ ov] & swept up ! a%es ( ,:itney's cig>ettes :i* lay 9 ! a%-tray1 plac+ !m1 /ubs & all1 9 an envelope1 z he _h done be=e4 ,we h "o sample1 already1 he said4 ,ano!r won't hurt4 ,y c nev] h too mu* mat]ial to "w )4 ,let u see :]e he is go+4 ,sl[ly we foll[$ 9 ! direction :i* ,:itney _h tak5 f ! cafe4 ,!re 0 ,:itney /&+ by ! cig>-/&1 gaz+ int5tly d[n ! corridor4 ,k5n$y & ,i mov$ ov] s t we c\ld see :at he 0 gaz+ at4 ,j !n he />t$ to walk hurri$ly 9 ! direction 9 :i* he 0 look+4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e6 exclaim$ ,craig1 draw+ me t[>d a palm4 ,x 0 inde$ %e4 ,%e _h left ! tea room & gone to h] own room4 ,n[ %e 0 alight+ f ! elevator1 & _h />t$ t[>d ! ma9 d9+-room1 :5 h] eyes _h re/$ on ,:itney4 ,9 spite ( all t he _h said to u ab\t h]1 he _h receiv$ ! glance z a signal & 0 flutt]+ ov] to h] l a mo? to a flame4 ,:at 0 ! reason back ( x all1 ,i ask$1 z ,i ?\ght ( ^? wond]ful eyes ( h]s8 ,0 x a sort ( auto-hypnotism8 ,!re 01 ,i knew1 a =m ( illusion kn[n z oph?almophobia--fe> ( ! eye4 ,x rang$ f m]e av]sion at be+ gaz$ at all ! way to ! subjective developm5t ( real physical action f an o!rwise trivial objective cause4 ,p]haps ,inez 0 "r ab\t ! eyes4 ,"o might fe> !m1 & t fe> might cause ! precise ?+ to happ5 :i* ! own] ( ! eyes int5d$4 ,/ill1 z ,i reflect$ be=e1 !re 0 a mu* m important problem reg>d+ eyes be=e u1 t ( ! drug t 0 evid5tly be+ us$ 9 ! cig>ettes4 ,:at 0 x8 ,!re 0 no *ance ( our glean+ any?+ n[ f ^! two :o made su* a /range pair4 ,k5n$y turn$ & w5t out ( ! ne>e/ entrance ( ! hotel4 ,c5tral ,p>k1 ,we/1 he direct$ a cab driv]1 z we climb$ 9 8 ma*9e2 !n to me1 aft] giv+ ! numb]1 ,i mu/ see ,inez ,m5doza aga9 be=e ,i c g ahead4 ,inez 0 n expect+ u s soon aft] leav+ h] at ! hotel1 yet ,i ?9k 0 j a little glad t we _h come4 ,did any?+ happ5 aft] ,i left8 %e ask$ eag]ly4 ,we w5t back & saw ,mr4 ,:itney1 return$ ,craig4 ,i believe y are "r4 ,he is act+ que]ly4 ,alfonso call$ me up1 %e volunte]$4 ,0 x ab\t any?+ ,i %\ld "k8 qu]i$ ,craig4 ,well1 %e hesitat$1 he said he hop$ t no?+ t _h tak5 place w\ld *ange our own relations4 ,t 0 ab\t all4 ,he 0 ! dutiful son1 & made no attempt to expla9 any?+ t 0 said4 ,k5n$y smil$4 ,y h n se5 ,mr4 ,lockwood s9ce1 ,i suppose8 he ask$4 ,y always make me tell :at ,i hadn't int5d$1 %e confess$1 smil+ back4 ,yes1 ,i c\ldn't help x4 ,at lea/1 ,i didn't see him4 ,i call$ him up4 ,i want$ to tell him :at %e _h said & t x hadn't made any diff]5ce to me4 ,:at did he say8 ,i c't rememb] j h[ he put x1 b ,i ?9k he meant t x 0 some?+ v mu* l t anonym\s lett] ,i receiv$4 ,we bo? feel t !re is "s "o :o wants to make tr\ble betwe5 u1 & we are n go+ to let x happ54 ,if %e _h kn[n ( ,k5n$y's discov]y ( ! %oe-pr9ts1 ,i feel sure t1 z f> z we 7 conc]n$1 ! case w\ld h end$ !re4 ,%e 0 9 no mood to be conv9c$ by su* a ?+1 w\ld probably h insi/$ t "s "o 0 we>+ a second-h& pair ( 8 %oes4 ,k5n$y's eye _h be5 travell+ ar\nd ! room z ?\gh se>*+ = some?+4 ,may ,i h a cig>ette out ( t case ov] !re8 he ask$1 indicat+ a box ( !m on a table4 ,:y--t is ,mr4 ,lockwood's1 %e repli$4 ,he left x "h ! la/ "t he 0 "h & ,i =got to s5d x to him4 ,wait a m9ute4 ,let me get y "s ( fa!r's4 ,%e left ! room4 ,! mom5t ! door clos$ ,k5n$y rea*$ ov] & took "o f ! case4 ,i h "s ( ,lockwood's already1 b ano!r won't matt]1 z long z ,i c get x1 he said4 ,i ?\ght x 0 h] fa!r's4 ,:5 %e br+s !m1 smoke "o ) me1 & be c>eful to save ! /ub4 ,i want x4 ,a mom5t lat] %e ent]$ ) a metal box t mu/ h held sev]al hundr$4 ,k5n$y & ,i ea* took "o & light$ x1 !n = sev]al m9utes *att$ z an excuse = /ay+4 ,z = myself1 ,i 0 glad en\gh to leave a pretty l>ge /ub1 = ,i did n l x4 ,^! cig>ettes1 l ^? ,:itney _h (f]$ u1 _h a peculi> flav\r :i* ,i _h n acquir$ a lik+ =4 ,y mu/ let me "k :e!r any?+ else develops f ! meet+ 9 ! tea room1 said ,k5n$y f9ally1 ris+4 ,i %all be at ! laboratory "s "t1 ,i ?9k4 ,,xiv ,,! ,,int]f]omet] ,norton 0 wait+ = u at ! laboratory :5 we return$1 evid5tly hav+ be5 !re "s "t4 ,i 0 on my way to my ap>tm5t1 he began1 :5 ,i ?\ght ,i'd drop 9 to see h[ ?+s are progress+4 ,sl[ly1 return$ ,k5n$y1 ?r[+ (f 8 /reet clo!s & gett+ into 8 laboratory togs4 ,h y se5 ,:itney s9ce ,i _h ! break ) him8 ask$ ,norton1 a trifle anxi\sly4 ,i wond]$ :e!r ,k5n$y w\ld tell ,norton :at to expect f ,:itney4 ,he did n1 h[ev]4 ,yes1 he repli$1 j n[ we _h an appo9tm5t ) ,s5ora de ,mo*e & "s o!rs & ran into him at ! hotel = a few mom5ts4 ,:at did he say ab\t me8 qu]i$ ,norton4 ,he hadn't *ang$ 8 m9d1 evad$ ,k5n$y4 ,h y he>d any?+ f him8 ,n a syllable4 ,! break is f9al4 ,only ,i 0 wond]+ :at he 0 tell+ p ab\t me4 ,he'll tell !m some?+--8 side ( ! case4 ,well1 consid]$ ,k5n$y1 z ?\gh rack+ 8 bra9 = "s rem>k :i* he rememb]$1 :ile ,norton wat*$ him eag]ly1 ,i d recall t he 0 t]ribly sore ab\t ! loss ( ! dagg]1 & seem$ to ?9k t x 0 y\r fault4 ,i ?\ght s1 ,i knew x1 repli$ ,norton bitt]ly4 ,i c see x com+4 ,all ! tru/ees w he> ( my gross neglig5ce 9 lett+ ! ,museum be robb$4 ,i suppose ,i ought to sit up !re all night4 ,oh1 by ! way1 !re's ano!r ?+ ,i want$ to ask y4 ,h y ev] done any?+ ) ^? %oe-pr9ts y f\nd 9 ! du/ ( ! mummy case8 ,i glanc$ at ,k5n$y1 wond]+ :e!r he felt t ! "t _h come to reveal :at he _h discov]$4 ,he said no?+ = a mom5t1 b rea*$ into a draw] & pull$ out ! pap]s1 :i* ,i recogniz$4 ,"h !y are1 he said1 pick+ out ! orig9al impression :i* he _h tak54 ,yes1 repeat$ ,norton1 b h y be5 able to d any?+ t[>d id5tify+ !m8 ,i f\nd x r h>d to collect pr9ts ( ! %oes ( all ( ^? ,i wi%$ to comp>e4 ,b ,i h !m at la/4 ,&8 dem&$ ,norton1 lean+ =w>d t5sely4 ,i f9d t !re is "o p]son ^: %oe-pr9ts are precisely ! same z ^? we f\nd 9 ! ,museum1 w5t on ,k5n$y1 toss+ ov] ! impression he _h tak54 ,norton scann$ ! two c>efully4 ,i'm n a crim9ologi/1 he said excit$ly1 b to my untra9$ eye x does seem z ?\gh y _h "h a replica ( ! fir/ pr9ts1 all "r4 ,he laid !m d[n & look$ squ>ely at ,k5n$y4 ,d y m9d tell+ me ^: feet made ^! pr9ts8 ,turn ! second ov]4 ,y w see ! "n writt5 on x4 ,lockwood6 exclaim$ ,norton 9 a gasp z he read ! "n4 ,no--y don't mean x4 ,i mean no?+ less1 repeat$ ,k5n$y firmly4 ,i d n say :at happ5$ aft]w>ds1 b ,lockwood 0 9 ! ,museum1 hid+ 9 ! mummy case1 t night4 ,norton's m9d 0 evid5tly work+ rapidly4 ,i wi% ,i _h y\r p[] ( d$uction1 ,k5n$y1 he said1 at l5g?4 ,i suppose y realize :at ?is means8 ,:at does x mean to y8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 *ang+ front4 ,norton hesitat$4 ,well1 he repli$1 x means to me1 ,i suppose1 :at x means to any "o :o /ops to ?9k4 ,if ,lockwood 0 !re1 he got ! dagg]4 ,if he _h ! dagg]--x 0 he :o us$ x6 ,! inf]5ce 0 s /rong t ,craig c\ld n d5y x4 ,:e!r x 0 8 op9ion or n 0 ano!r matt]4 ,x fits 9 ) o!r facts1 too1 cont9u$ ,norton4 ,= in/ance1 x 0 ,lockwood :o discov]$ ! body ( ,m5doza4 ,b ! elevator boy took ,lockwood up himself1 object$ ,craig1 m = ! sake ( promot+ ! discussion ?an to combat ,norton4 ,yes--:5 he 'discov]$' ! ?+4 ,b x mu/ h be5 done long be=e4 ,:o kn[s8 ,he may h ent]$4 ,! de$ might h be5 done4 ,he may h left4 ,no "o saw him come or g4 ,:at !n m likely to cov] himself up ?an to return :5 he knew t 8 entrance w\ld be kn[n1 & f9d ! ?+ himself8 ,norton's reason+ 0 clev] & plausible4 ,yet ,k5n$y sc>cely nodd$ 8 head1 "o way or ! o!r4 ,y 7 acqua9t$ ) ,lockwood8 he ask$ f9ally4 ,i mean to say1 ( c\rse1 be=e ?is affair4 ,yes1 ,i met him 9 ,lima j z ,i 0 />t+ out on my exp$ition4 ,he 0 prep>+ to come to ,new ,york4 ,:at did y ?9k ( him !n8 ,oh1 he 0 all "r1 ,i suppose4 ,he wasn't ! sort :o w\ld c>e mu* = an ar*aeologi/4 ,he c>$ m = a prospector go+ (f into ! hills ?an he did = me4 ,& ,i--,i admit t ,i am impossible4 ,ar*aeology is my life4 ,norton cont9u$ to /udy ! pr9ts4 ,i c h>dly believe my eyes1 he murmur$2 !n he look$ up sudd5ly4 ,does ,:itney "k ab\t ?is--or ,lockwood8 ,k5n$y %ook 8 head negatively4 ,because1 pursu$ ,norton1 an add$ inf]5ce to t ,i spoke ( w\ld be t ! reason :y !y are s sure t !y w f9d ! treasure is t !y are n go+ on tradition1 z !y say1 b on ! fact itself4 ,a fair conclusion1 agre$ ,craig4 ,i wi% ! break c\ld h be5 po/pon$1 cont9u$ ,norton4 ,!n ,i might h be5 ( "s s]vice 9 my relation to ,:itney4 ,x's too late = me to be able to help y 9 t direction n[1 h[ev]4 ,!re is some?+ y c d1 ?\gh1 said ,craig4 ,i %all be delight$1 ha/5$ ,norton4 ,:at is x8 ,y "k ,s5ora de ,mo*e & ,alfonso8 ,yes4 ,i wi% t y w\ld cultivate _! acqua9tance4 ,i feel t !y are v suspici\s ( me4 ,p]haps !y may n be s ) y4 ,is !re any special ?+ y want to f9d out8 ,yes--only ,i h slight hopes ( do+ s4 ,y "k t %e is on mo/ intimate t]ms ) ,:itney4 ,i'm afraid ,i c't d mu* = y1 !n4 ,%e'll fight %y ( me4 ,he'll tell h] 8 /ory4 ,t w make no diff]5ce4 ,%e has already w>n$ me aga9/ him4 ,he has w>n$ aga9/ h]4 ,x's a mo/ rem>kable situation4 ,he is try+ to get h] into "s k9d ( deal1 yet all ! "t he is afraid %e is d\ble-cross+ him4 ,& at ! same "t he obeys h]--well1 l ,alfonso w\ld ,inez if %e'd only let him4 ,norton fr[n$4 ,i don't l ! way !y hov] ab\t ,inez ,m5doza1 he rem>k$4 ,p]haps ! ,s5ora is aft] ,:itney1 :ile h] son is aft] ,inez4 ,lockwood seems to be imp]vi\s to h]4 ,yes1 ,i'll und]take t commission = y1 only ,i c't promise :at success ,i'll h4 ,k5n$y re/or$ ! %oe-pr9ts to ! draw]4 ,i ?9k t's gratify+ progress1 w5t on ,norton4 ,fir/ we "k :o /ole ! dagg]4 ,we "k t ! dagg] kill$ ,m5doza4 ,y h ev5 det]m9$ :at ! poison on ! blade 04 ,x seems to me t x rema9s only to det]m9e :o /ruck ! actual bl[4 ,i tell y1 ,k5n$y1 ,:itney w regret ! day t he ev] ?rew me ov] on s trivial a pretext4 ,norton 0 pac+ up & d[n excit$ly n[4 ,my only fe> is1 he w5t on1 :at ! %ock ( su* a ?+ w be on t poor little girl4 ,fir/ h] fa!r1 !n ,lockwood4 ,:y--! bl[ w be t]rible4 ,y mu/ be c>eful1 ,k5n$y4 ,nev] fe> ab\t t1 reassur$ ,craig4 ,n a ^w ( ?is has be5 brea!d to h] yet4 ,we are a long way f fix+ ! guilt ( ! murd]2 inf]5ce is "o ?+1 fact ano!r4 ,we mu/ h facts4 ,& ! facts ,i want1 :i* y may be able to get1 relate to ! /range actions ( ! de ,mo*es4 ,norton scann$ ,k5n$y's face = "s h9t ( :at 0 back ( ! rem>k4 ,b !re 0 no?+ !re4 ,!y w be> wat*+1 all "r1 he said1 z he rose to g4 ,old ,m5doza 0 nev] q ! same aft] he became s intimate ) h]4 ,& ,i ?9k ,i c see a *ange 9 ,:itney4 ,:at d y attribute x to8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 )\t admitt+ t x _h attract$ 8 att5tion1 too4 ,i hav5't ! slighte/ idea1 confess$ ,norton4 ,inez is z afraid ( h] z any ( ! re/1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y ?\ghtfully4 ,%e says x is ! evil eye4 ,n an uncommon belief among ,lat9-,am]icans1 comm5t$ ,norton4 ,9 fact1 ,i suppose !re are p among u :o believe 9 ! evil eye yet4 ,/ill1 y c h>dly blame t little girl = believ+ x is almo/ any?+4 ,well1 ,i won't keep y any long]4 ,i %all let y "k ( any?+ ,i f9d out f ! de ,mo*es4 ,i ?9k y are gett+ on rem>kably4 ,norton left u1 8 face mu* bright] ?an x _h be5 :5 we met him at ! door4 ,k5n$y1 alone at la/ 9 ! laboratory1 w5t ov] to a cab9et & took out a peculi>-look+ app>atus1 :i* seem$1 z ne>ly z ,i c describe x1 to consi/ ( a sort ( triangul> prism1 set ) its edge v]tically on a rigid plat=m atta*$ to a massive /& ( brass4 ,norton seems to h sudd5ly become q solicit\s ( ! welf>e ( ,s5orita ,m5doza1 ,i haz>d$1 z he work$ ov] ! adju/m5t ( ! ?+4 ,k5n$y smil$4 ,e "o seems to be--ev5 ,:itney1 he return$1 twi/+ a set-screw until he _h ! alignm5t ( ! v>i\s p>ts z he want$ x4 ,! telephone bell rang4 ,d y want to answ] x8 ,i ask$ ,craig4 ,no1 he repli$1 n ev5 look+ up f 8 "w4 ,f9d out :o x is4 ,unless x is some?+ v important say ,i am out on an inve/igation & t y h he>d f me2 t ,i %all n be ei!r at ! laboratory or ! ap>tm5t until tomorr[ morn+4 ,i mu/ get ?is done to-night4 ,i took d[n ! receiv]4 ,hello1 is ?is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y8 ,i recogniz$ a voice4 ,no1 ,i repli$4 ,is !re any message ,i c take8 ,?is is ,mr4 ,lockwood1 came back ! in=mation ,i _h already guess$4 ,:5 d y expect him8 ,x's ,lockwood1 ,i :isp]$ to ,craig1 my h& ov] ! transmitt]4 ,see :at he wants1 return$ ,craig4 ,tell him :at ,i told y4 ,i repeat$ ,k5n$y's message4 ,well1 t's too bad1 repli$ ,lockwood4 ,i've j se5 ,mr4 ,:itney1 & he tells me t ,k5n$y & y are pretty fri5dly ) ,norton1 ,( c\rse1 ,i knew t4 ,i saw y at ! ,m5dozas' toge!r ! fir/ "t4 ,i'd l to h a talk ) him ab\t t man4 ,i suppose he has told y all 8 side ( ! /ory ( 8 relations ) ,:itney4 ,i am1 if any?+1 a good li/5]1 & s ,i said no?+1 n ev5 t he _h bett] tell x to ,k5n$y 9 ! morn+1 = x 0 su* a novelty to h any ( ^! p talk volunt>ily t ,i really didn't mu* c>e :e!r ,i believ$ :at !y said or n4 ,i us$ to "k him d[n 9 ,lima1 y "k1 w5t on ,lockwood4 ,:at ,i want to say has to d ) t dagg] he says 0 /ol54 ,i want to tell :at ,i "k ( h[ he got x4 ,!re 0 an ,indian mix$ up 9 x :o committ$ suicide--well1 y tell ,k5n$y ,i'll see him 9 ! morn+4 ,lockwood rang (f1 & ,i repeat$ :at he _h told me1 z ,k5n$y cont9u$ to adju/ ! app>atus4 ,say1 ,i exclaim$1 z ,i f9i%$4 ,t 0 a h>ry's ( a commission y gave ,norton j n[1 wat*+ ! de ,mo*es4 ,:y1 !y'd eat him alive if !y got a *ance1 & ,i don't "k t all's l a ,sunday s*ool on 8 "p4 ,lockwood doesn't seem to ?9k s4 ,k5n$y smil$ quietly4 ,t 0 :y ,i ask$ him to d x1 he return$4 ,i ?\ght t he w\ldn't let mu* escape him4 ,!y all seem s d[n on him1 he'll h to wat* out4 ,x w keep him busy1 too1 & t means a *ance = u to "w4 ,he _h f9i%$ sett+ up ! ma*9e1 & n[ w5t ov] to ano!r draw]1 f :i* he took ! envelope ( /ubs :i* we _h tak5 d[n at ,:itney's (fice fir/4 ,!n f ! pocket ( 8 /reet coat he drew bo? ! second envelope ( a%es & /ubs1 ! :ole cig>ette f ,lockwood's case1 & ! /ubs :i* bo? ( u _h sav$ f ! cig>ettes t _h once belong$ to ,m5doza4 ,c>efully he sep>at$ & labell$ !m all1 s t !re w\ld be no *ance = !m to get mix$ up4 ,!n he pick$ up "o ( ! /ubs & light$ x4 ,! smoke curl$ up 9 wrea?s betwe5 a p[]ful light & ! peculi> in/rum5t1 :ile ,craig pe]$ ?r\gh a l5s1 manipulat+ ! ?+ ) exhau/less pati5ce & skill4 ,i wat*$ him curi\sly1 b said no?+1 = he 0 /udy+ some?+ c>efully1 & ,i did n want to int]rupt 8 tra9 ( ?\ght4 ,f9ally he beckon$ me ov]4 ,c y make any?+ out ( t8 he ask$4 ,i look$ ?r\gh ! eye-piece1 also4 ,on a sort ( f9e grat+ all ,i c\ld see 0 a numb] ( /range l9es4 ,if y want an op9ion f me1 ,i said1 ) a laugh1 y'll h to tell me fir/ :at ,i am look+ at4 ,t1 he expla9$1 z ,i cont9u$ to gaze1 is "o ( ! late/ =ms ( ! spectroscope1 kn[n z ! int]f]omet]1 ) delicately rul$ grat+s 9 :i* p[] to resolve ! /raight1 close l9es 9 ! spectrum is c>ri$ to ! limit ( possibility4 ,a small wat* is delicate4 ,b x be>s no comp>ison to ! delicacy ( ^! defraction spectroscopes4 ,e sub/ance1 y "k1 is1 :5 radiat+ light1 *>act]iz$ by :at at fir/ appe>s to be almo/ haphaz>d sets ( spectral b&s )\t relation to "o ano!r4 ,b !y are relat$ by ma!matical laws1 & ! app>5t haphaz>d "* is only ! result ( our lack ( k ( h[ to int]pret ! results4 ,he resum$ 8 place at ! eye-piece to *eck ov] 8 results4 ,walt]1 he said f9ally1 look+ up at me ) a tw9kle 9 8 eye1 ,i wi% t y'd g out & f9d me a cat4 ,a cat8 ,i repeat$4 ,yes1 a cat--felis dome/icus1 if x s\nds bett] t way--a pla91 ord9>y cat4 ,i jamm$ on my hat &1 late z x 01 salli$ =? on ?is app>5tly ridicul\s mission4 ,sev]al belat$ pass]s-by & a policeman wat*$ me z ?\gh ,i 7 a h\se-break]1 & ,i felt l a fool1 b at la/1 by p]sev]ance & tact1 ,i manag$ to capture a fairly good specim5 ( ! species1 & c>ri$ x 9 my arms to ! laboratory ) "s pr(anity & _m scrat*es4 ,,xv ,,! ,,we$ ,,( ,,madness ,9 my abs5ce ,craig _h set to "w on a peculi> app>atus1 z ?\gh he 7 di/ill+ some?+ f sev]al ( ! cig>ette /ubs :i* he _h be5 /udy+ by means ( ! int]f]omet]4 ,"h's y\r conf\nd$ cat1 ,i ejaculat$1 z ,i plac$ ! unhappy fel9e 9 a basket & wait$ pati5tly until f9ally he seem$ to be rew>d$ = 8 pati5t lab\rs4 ,x 0 well along t[>d morn+ :5 he obta9$ 9 a te/-tube a few drops ( a col\rless1 od\rless liquid4 ,my int]f]omet] gave me a clue1 he rem>k$1 z he held ! tube up ) satisfaction4 ,)\t ! tell-tale l9e 9 ! spectrum :i* ,i 0 able to discov] by its use ,i might h be5 hunt+ yet = x4 ,x is s r>e t no "o w\ld ev] h ?\ght1 (fh&1 ,i suppose1 to look = x4 ,b "h x is1 ,i'm sure1 only ,i want$ to be able to te/ x4 ,s y are n go+ to try x on y\rself1 ,i said s>ca/ically1 ref]r+ to 8 la/ exp]im5t ) a poison4 ,?is "t y are go+ to make ! cat ! dog4 ,! cat w be bett] to te/ x on ?an a human be+1 he repli$1 ) a glance t made me w9ce1 =1 aft] 8 p]=mance ) ! cur>e1 ,i felt t once ! sci5tific furore 0 on him ,i might be call$ ^u to become an unwill+ m>tyr to sci5ce4 ,x 0 ) an air ( relief1 bo? = himself & my own peace & safety1 t ,i saw him take ! cat out ( ! basket & hold h] 9 8 arms1 smoo?+ h] fur g5tly1 to quiet ! feel+s t ,i _h sev]ely ruffl$4 ,!n ) a dropp] he suck$ up a bit ( ! liquid f ! te/-tube4 ,i wat*$ him int5tly z he let a small drop fall into ! eye ( ! cat4 ,! cat bl9k$ a mom5t1 & ,i b5t ov] to obs]ve x m closely4 ,x won't hurt ! cat1 he expla9$1 & x may help u4 ,z ,i look$ at ! cat's eye x seem$ to enl>ge1 ev5 "u ! gl>e ( a light1 %9+ =?1 z x 71 l ! prov]bial cat's eye "u a b$4 ,:at did x mean8 ,0 !re su* a ?+1 ,i wond]$ ha/ily1 z ! drug ( ! evil eye8 ,:at h y f\nd8 ,i qu]i$4 ,some?+ v mu* l ! s-call$ 'we$ ( madness1' ,i ?9k1 he repli$ sl[ly4 ,! we$ ( madness8 ,i repeat$4 ,yes4 ,x is simil> to ! ,mexican toloa*e & ! ,h9du datura1 :i* y mu/ h he>d ab\t4 ,i _h he>d ( ^! weird drugs1 b !y _h always seem$ to be s f> away & to belong r to ! atmosph]e ( civilizations diff]5t f ,new ,york4 ,yet1 ,i reflect$1 :at 0 to prev5t ! appe>ance ( any?+ 9 su* a cosmopolitan city1 especially 9 a case s unusual z t :i* _h s f> baffl$ ev5 ,k5n$y's skill8 ,y "k ! jimson we$--! ,jame/[n we$1 z x is s (t5 call$8 he cont9u$1 expla9+4 ,x gr[s almo/ ev]y:]e 9 ! _w1 b mo/ ?riv+ly 9 ! tropics4 ,all ! poisons t ,i h m5tion$ are relat$ to x 9 "s way1 ,i believe4 ,i've se5 ! ?+ 9 lots & fields1 ,i repli$1 b ,i nev] ?\ght x 0 ( mu* importance4 ,well1 he resum$1 ! jimson we$ on ! ,pacific coa/1 9 "s p>ts ( ! ,&es1 has l>ge :ite fl[]s :i* exhale a fa9t1 repulsive od\r4 ,x is a h>mless-look+ plant1 ) its ?ick tangle ( leaves1 a co>se gre5 gr[?1 ) trumpet-%ap$ fl[]s4 ,b to "o :o kn[s its prop]ties x is q too dang]\sly conv5i5t = safety4 ,b :at has t to d ) ! evil eye8 ,i ask$4 ,no?+2 b x has mu* to d ) ! cig>ettes t ,:itney is smok+1 he w5t on positively4 ,^? cig>ettes h be5 dop$6 ,dop$8 ,i int]rogat$1 9 surprise4 ,) ?is we$ ( madness1 z y call x8 ,no1 x isn't toloa*e t 0 us$1 he correct$4 ,i ?9k x mu/ be "s p>ticul>ly virul5t v>iety ( ! jimson we$ t 0 us$1 ?\gh t same we$ 9 ,mexico is1 ,i am sure1 :at !re !y call toloa*e4 ,p]haps its virul5ce 9 ?is case lies 9 ! me?od ( conc5tration 9 prep>+ x4 ,= in/ance1 ! se$s ( ! /ramonium1 :i* is ! same ?+1 conta9 a mu* high] p]c5tage ( poison ?an ! leaves & fl[]s4 ,p]haps ! se$s 7 us$4 ,i c't say4 ,b1 !n1 t isn't at all necess>y4 ,x is ! fact ( its use t conc]ns u mo/ n[4 ,he took a drop ( ! liquid :i* he _h isolat$ & add$ a drop ( nitric acid4 ,!n he evaporat$ x by g5tle heat & x left a residue slightly yell[4 ,next he took f ! %elf ov] 8 table a bottle m>k$ ,alcoholic ,solution--,potassium ,hydrate4 ,he op5$ x & let a drop fall on ! place :]e ! liquid _h evaporat$4 ,in/antly ! residue became a beautiful purple1 turn+ rapidly to violet1 !n to d>k r$1 &1 f9ally1 x disappe>$ altoge!r4 ,/ramonium1 all "r1 he nodd$1 ) satisfaction at ! a*ievem5t ( 8 night's lab\rs4 ,t 0 kn[n z ,vitali's te/4 ,yes1 !re 0 /ramonium 9 ^? cig>ettes--datura /ramonium--p]haps a trace ( hyoscyam9e4 ,i tri$ to look wise1 b all ,i c\ld ?9k ( 0 t1 :atev] 8 sci5ce %[$ me n[1 my in/9ct _h be5 en\gh to prompt me n to smoke ^? cig>ettes1 ?\gh1 ( c\rse1 only ,k5n$y's sci5ce c\ld tell :at x 0 t caus$ t in/9ctive av]sion4 ,!y are all l atrop9e1 mydriatic alkaloids1 he proce$$1 s call$ f ! effect !y h on ! eye4 ,:y1 "o-"o hundr$ ?\s&? ( a gra9 w affect ! eye ( a cat4 ,y saw h[ x act$ on our subject4 ,x is m active 9 t way ?an atrop9e4 ,bett] yet1 y rememb] h[ ,:itney's eyes look$1 h[ ,inez said h] fa!r />$1 & h[ %e fe>$ = ,lockwood8 ,i rememb]1 ,i said1 /ill n able to deta* ! evil-eye idea q f my m9d4 ,h[ ab\t ! ,s5ora's eyes8 ,:at makes !m s--well1 effective8 ,oh1 ,craig answ]$ quickly1 h] pupils 7 normal en\gh4 ,didn't y notice t8 ,x 0 ! diff]5ce 9 ,:itney's & ! o!rs' t fir/ sugge/$ mak+ "s te/s4 ,:at is ! effect8 ,i ask$1 wond]+ :e!r x might h contribut$ to ! cause ( ,m5doza's dea?4 ,! conc5trat$ poison :i* has be5 us$ 9 ^! cig>ettes does n kill--at lea/ n outright4 ,x is worse ?an t4 ,sl[ly x accumulates 9 ! sy/em4 ,x acts on ! bra94 ,i 0 li/5+1 spellb\nd1 z he made 8 disclosure4 ,no wond]1 ,i ?\ght1 ev5 a sci5tific crim9al /ood 9 awe ( ,craig4 ,( all ! dang]s to be met ) 9 sup]/iti\s c\ntries1 ^! mydratic alkaloids are among ! wor/4 ,!y (f] a *ance = crimes ( ! mo/ fi5di% nature--worse ?an ) ! gun or ! /iletto4 ,!y are worse because !re is s little fe> ( detection4 ,t crime is ! production ( insanity6 ,horrible ?\gh ! idea1 & repulsive1 ,i c\ld n d\bt x 9 ! face ( ,craig's inve/igations & :at ,i _h already se5 ) my own eyes4 ,9 fact1 x 0 necess>y = me only to recall ! mild s5sations ,i myself _h exp]i5c$1 9 ord] to be conv9c$ ( ! possible effect int5d$ by ! insidi\s poison conta9$ 9 ! _m cig>ettes :i* ,:itney1 = in/ance1 _h smok$4 ,b don't y suppose !y "k x8 ,i wond]$4 ,c't !y tell x8 ,i suppose !y h gradually become accu/om$ to x1 ,craig v5tur$4 ,if y h ev] smok$ "o p>ticul> br& ( cig>ette y mu/ h notic$ h[ ! manufactur] c gradually sub/itute a *eap] grade ( tobacco )\t any l>ge numb] ( 8 patrons kn[+ any?+ ab\t x4 ,i imag9e x might h be5 done 9 "s way l t4 ,b y w\ld ?9k !y'd feel ! effect & attribute x to smok+4 ,p]haps !y d feel ! effect4 ,b :5 x comes to trac+ causes1 "s p are loa? to admit t tobacco & liquor c be ! root ( ! evil4 ,no1 "s "o is slipp+ ^! cig>ettes 9 on !m1 p]haps sub/itut+ ! dop$ br& = ^? t are ord]$4 ,if y w notice1 bo? ,:itney & ,lockwood h cig>ettes t are made especially = !m4 ,s _h ,m5doza4 ,x is a circum/ance :i* "s "o has turn$ to acc\nt1 ?\gh h[ & by :om ! sub/itution has be5 made ,i _c say yet4 ,i wi% ,i _h "t to foll[ out ?is "o l9e1 to ! exclusion ( ev]y?+ else4 ,b ,i've got to keep my f+]s on e rope at once1 else ! ?+ w pull away f me4 ,x is en\gh = ! pres5t t we "k :at ! poison is4 ,i %all take up ! trac+ ( ! p]son :o is adm9i/]+ x ! mom5t ,i get a h9t4 ,x 0 almo/ daylight be=e ,craig & ,i left ! laboratory aft] 8 discov]y ( ! mann] ( ! cig>ette poison+ by /ramonium4 ,b t 0 ! only way 9 :i* he 0 able to make progress--tak+ "t = ea* sep>ate po9t by ma9 =ce4 ,i 0 ?or\ghly tir$1 ?\gh n s mu* s t my dreams 7 n haunt$ by a succession ( baleful eyes pe]+ at me f ! d>kness4 ,i slept late1 b 0 awak5$ by a knock+ on ! door4 ,z ,i rose to answ] x ,i saw ?r\gh ! op5 door ( ,k5n$y's room t he _h be5 ab\t e>ly & mu/ already be at ! laboratory4 ,h[ he did x ,i don't "k4 ,my own newspap] exp]i5ce _h made me consid]able ( a nigh?awk4 ,b ,i always paid = x by sleep+ ! next day4 ,) ,k5n$y1 :5 he 0 on a case1 ev5 five h\rs ( sleep 0 m ?an he seem$ able to /&4 ,hello1 ,jameson1 greet$ a voice1 z ,i op5$ ! door4 ,is ,k5n$y 9--oh1 he hasn't come back yet8 ,x 0 ,lockwood1 at fir/ eag] to see ,craig1 !n naturally cre/fall5 because he saw t he 0 n !re4 ,yes1 ,i repli$1 rubb+ my eyes4 ,he mu/ be at ! laboratory4 ,if y'll wait a m9ute :ile ,i slip on my clo!s1 ,i'll walk ov] !re ) y4 ,:ile ,i complet$ my ha/y toilet1 ,lockwood sat 9 our liv+ room1 gaz+ ab\t ) fasc9ation at ! collection ( trophies ( ! *ase ( crim9als4 ,?is is positively a t]rify+ array ( mat]ial1 ,jameson1 he decl>$1 z at la/ ,i em]g$4 ,betwe5 :at ,k5n$y has "h & :at he has /[$ away 9 t laboratory ( 81 ,i wond] t any "o d>es be a crook4 ,i c\ld n help ey+ him ke5ly4 ,c\ld he h spok5 s he>tily if he _h kn[n :at x 01 damn+ to himself1 t ,k5n$y _h tuck$ away 9 ! laboratory8 ,if he knew1 he mu/ h be5 a spl5did actor1 "o ( ^? :om only ! m9ute blood-pressure te/ ( ! sphygmograph c\ld induce to give up a secret1 & !n only 9 spite ( himself4 ,x is wond]ful1 ,i agre$4 ,are y ready8 ,we left ! ap>tm5t & walk$ along 9 ! brac+ morn+ air t[>d ! campus & ! ,*emi/ry ,build+4 ,sure en\gh1 z ,i _h expect$1 ,k5n$y 0 9 8 laboratory4 ,z we ent]$ he 0 v]ify+ 8 exp]im5ts & *eck+ ov] 8 results1 c>efully endeav\r+ to isolate any ( ! o!r closely relat$ mydriatic alkaloids t might be conta9$ 9 ! noxi\s fumes ( ! poison$ tobacco4 ,?\gh ,craig 0 already conv9c$ ( :at 0 go+ on1 ,i knew t he always consid]$ x a matt] ( consid]able m$ico-legal importance to be exact1 = if ! affair ev] came to ! /age ( secur+ an indictm5t ! *>ge c\ld be su/a9$ only by specific pro(4 ,z we appe>$ 9 ! door1 h[ev]1 he laid aside 8 "w1 & greet$ u4 ,i suppose ,jameson has already told y t ,i call$ y up la/ night--& :at ,i said8 began ,lockwood4 ,k5n$y nodd$4 ,x 0 some?+ ab\t ,norton1 wasn't x8 ,lockwood lean$ ov] impressively & almo/ :isp]$3 ,( c\rse1 y are 9 no position to "k1 b !re are ugly rum\rs curr5t d[n 9 ,lima among ! natives reg>d+ t dagg]4 ,k5n$y did n appe> to be p>ticul>ly impress$4 ,is t s8 he said m]ely4 ,:at are !y8 ,well1 resum$ ,lockwood1 ,i wasn't 9 ,lima at ! "t4 ,i 0 up "h4 ,b !y tell me t !re 0 some?+ crook$ ab\t ! way t t dagg] 0 got away f an ,indian--a bro!r ( ,s5ora de ,mo*e4 ,yes1 repli$ ,k5n$y1 ,i "k some?+ ab\t x4 ,he committ$ suicide4 ,b :at has t to d ) ,norton8 ,lockwood hesitat$1 !n %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,i %\ld ?9k ! inf]5ce 0 pla91 he ins9uat$4 ,!n1 look+ at ,craig fix$ly1 z ?\gh to take 8 measure1 he add$1 ,we are n out ( t\* ) :at is go+ on d[n !re1 ev5 if we are sev]al ?\s& miles away4 ,i wond]$ :e!r he _h any in=mation m ?an we _h already obta9$ by ,x-ray+ ! lett] to ,:itney sign$ ,hagg]ty4 ,if he _h1 x 0 n 8 purpose1 evid5tly1 yet to disclose x4 ,i felt f 8 mann] t he 0 n play+ a trump-c>d1 b 0 j feel+ u out by ?is lead4 ,!re 0 "s crook$ bus9ess ab\t t dagg] d[n !re z well z "h1 he pursu$4 ,!re are _m int]e/s connect$ ) x4 ,don't y ?9k t x w\ld be wor? :ile wat*+ ,norton8 he paus$1 !n add$3 ,we d--& we're go+ to d x4 ,?ank y v mu*1 return$ ,k5n$y quietly4 ,mr4 ,:itney has already told me he int5d$ to d s4 ,lockwood ey$ u critically1 z ?\gh n q sure :at to make ( ! cool mann] 9 :i* ,craig took x4 ,i ?9k if ,i 7 y1 he said at l5g?1 ,i'd keep a close wat* on ! de ,mo*es1 bo? ( !m1 too4 ,exactly1 agre$ ,craig1 )\t %[+ undue int]e/4 ,lockwood _h ris54 ,well1 he snapp$1 y may n ?9k mu* ( :at ,i am tell+ y n[4 ,b j wait until ,,our detectives beg9 to dig up facts4 ,no soon] _h he left ?an ,i turn$ to ,craig4 ,:at 0 t8 ,i ask$4 ,a plant8 ,p]haps1 he return$1 cle>+ up ! mat]ials :i* he _h be5 us+4 ,! telephone rang4 ,hello1 ,norton1 ,i he>d ,craig answ]4 ,:at's t8 ,y are %ad[$ by "s "o--y ?9k x is by ,:itney8 ,i _h be5 expect+ some?+ ( ! sort1 & li/5$ att5tively1 b x 0 impossible to ga!r ! drift ( ! "o-sid$ conv]sation4 ,z ,k5n$y hung up ! receiv] ,i rem>k$1 ,s x 0 n a bluff1 aft] all4 ,i ?9k my plan is work+1 he rem>k$ ?\ghtfully4 ,y he>d :at he said8 ,he guesses "r ! fir/ "t1 t x is ,:itney4 ,! la/ ?+ he said 01 ',i'll get ev56 ,i'll take "s action6' & !n he rang (f4 ,i ?9k we'll he> some?+ soon4 ,in/ead ( go+ out1 ,k5n$y pull$ out ! sev]al unsign$ lett]s we _h collect$1 & began ! labori\s process ( /udy+ ! pr9t+1 analyz+ x1 9 ! hope t he might discov] "s new clue4 ,,xvi ,,! ,,e> ,,9 ,,! ,,wall ,p]haps an h\r lat] our laboratory door 0 flung op5 sudd5ly1 & bo? ,k5n$y & ,i leap$ to our feet4 ,!re 0 ,inez ,m5doza1 alone1 pale & agitat$4 ,tell me1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 %e cri$1 h] h&s clasp$ be=e h] 9 frantic appeal1 tell me--x isn't true--is x8 ,he wasn't !re--no--no--no6 ,%e w\ld h fa9t$ if ,craig _h n sprung =w>d & caught h] 9 "t to place h] 9 our only easy-*air4 ,walt]1 he said1 quick--t bottle ( aromatic spirits ( ammonia ov] !re--! second f ! left4 ,i h&$ x to him1 & ?rew op5 ! w9d[ to all[ ! fre% air to bl[ 94 ,z ,i did s "o ( ! pap]s ,k5n$y _h be5 /udy+ blew (f ! table1 &1 z luck w\ld h x1 fell almo/ be=e h]4 ,%e saw x1 & 9 h] hyp]s5sitive condition recogniz$ x in/antly4 ,oh--t anonym\s lett]6 %e cri$4 ,tell me--y d n ?9k t--! fri5d ( my fa!r's t x w>n$ me to bew>e (--0-- ,%e did n f9i% ! s5t5ce4 ,%e did n ne$ to d s4 ,please1 ,s5orita1 plead$ & soo!d ,k5n$y1 try to be calm4 ,:at has happ5$8 ,tell me4 ,:at is x8 ,! ammonia & ! fre% air seem$ to h done _! "w1 = %e manag$ to brace h]self1 gripp+ ! arms ( ! *air tightly & look+ up se>*+ly into ,craig's face4 ,x's ab\t ,*e/]1 %e manag$ to gasp2 !n seem$ unable to g on4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h ev] he>d h] use ,lockwood's fir/ "n1 & ,i knew t some?+ _h /irr$ h] emotions m deeply ?an at any "t s9ce ! dea? ( h] fa!r4 ,yes1 prompt$ ,k5n$y4 ,g on4 ,i h he>d t y f\nd foot-pr9ts1 %oe-pr9ts1 9 ! du/ 9 ! ,museum aft] ! dagg] 0 /ol51 %e said1 speak+ rapidly1 suppress+ h] feel+s h]oically4 ,s9ce !n y h be5 collect+ pr9ts ( %oes--& ,i've he>d t ! %oe-pr9ts t 7 f\nd are ^? (--( ,mr4 ,lockwood4 ,oh1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 x _c be--!re mu/ be "s mi/ake4 ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y did n say any?+4 ,he 0 evid5tly seek+ "s way 9 :i* to lead up to ! revelation ( ! tru? )\t too mu* %ock4 ,y rememb] t "t 9 ! tea room :5 we 7 sitt+ ) ,s5ora de ,mo*e8 he ask$ f9ally4 ,yes1 %e said %ortly1 z ?\gh ! v recollection 7 disagreeable to h]4 ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 _h a disagreeable task1 & he felt t x mu/ be p]=m$ 9 ! k9de/ mann]4 ,y rememb] !n t %e said %e _h "o ?+ m to say1 t x 0 ab\t ,mr4 ,:itney & ,mr4 ,lockwood4 ,%e 0 ab\t to int]rupt1 b he hurri$ on1 giv+ h] no *ance to d s4 ,%e ask$ y to ?9k x ov]4 ,suppose !y did n h ! dagg]1 %e said4 ,!n 7 _! *ances ( f9d+ ! treasure any bett] ?an any "o else _h8 ,& if !y did h x1 %e ask$ :at t meant4 ,x is a dilemma1 my de> ,s5orita1 :i* y mu/ meet "s "t4 ,:y n meet x n[8 ,h] face 0 set4 ,y w rememb]1 also1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 %e said1 ) a great ef=t controll+ h] voice1 t ,i said t ,mr4 ,lockwood 0 n !re to def5d himself & ,i w\ld n h him attack$ by innu5do4 ,i meant x to ! ,s5ora--,i mean x to y6 ,%e _h also meant x to defy him2 b z %e proce$$ h] voice broke1 & be=e %e knew x h] nature _h triumph$1 & %e 0 alt]nately sobb+ & plead+4 ,= a m9ute or two ,k5n$y let h] give v5t to h] emotions4 ,x _c be4 ,x _c be1 %e sobb$ ov] & ov]4 ,he c\ld n h be5 !re4 ,he c\ld n h done x4 ,x 0 a t]rible ?+ to h to disillusion h]1 b x 0 some?+ n[ t _h to be done4 ,k5n$y _h n s\ght to d s4 ,he _h po/pon$ x 9 ! hope ( f9d+ "s o!r way4 ,b n[ ! ?+ 0 =c$ ^u him4 ,:o told y8 he ask$ f9ally4 ,i 0 try+ to read1 to keep my m9d occupi$1 z y ask$ me1 :5 ,juanita told me t !re 0 "s "o 9 ! liv+ room :o want$ to see me--a man4 ,i ?\ght x 0 ei!r y or ,mr4 ,jameson4 ,b x 0--,pr(essor ,norton-- ,k5n$y & ,i ex*ang$ glances4 ,t 0 ! action 9 rev5ge to ,lockwood & ,:itney :i* he _h contemplat$ ov] ! telephone4 ,x 0 s cruel & h>% t ,i c\ld h hat$ him = x1 ! m s z ,i recollect$ t x 0 he himself :o _h caution$ u aga9/ do+ ! v ?+ :i* n[ he _h done 9 ! heat ( passion4 ,oh1 %e wail$1 he 0 v k9d & consid]ate ab\t x4 ,he said he felt t x 0 8 duty to tell me1 t he w\ld be any?+1 l an old] bro!r1 to me2 t he c\ld n see me bl9d$ any long] to :at 0 go+ on1 & ev]ybody knew1 b _h n love en\gh = me to tell4 ,x 0 su* a %ock4 ,i c\ld n ev5 speak4 ,i simply ran f ! room )\t ano!r ^w to him1 & ,juanita f\nd me ly+ on ! b$4 ,!n--,i decid$--,i w\ld come to y4 ,%e paus$1 & h] great1 deep eyes look$ up pa!tically4 ,& y1 %e add$ bitt]ly1 y are go+ to tell me t he 0 "r1 t x is true4 ,y c't prove x4 ,%[ me :at x is t y h4 ,i defy y6 ,someh[1 z %e re/$ & reliev$ h] feel+s1 a new /r5g? seem$ to come to h]4 ,x 0 :at ,k5n$y _h be5 wait+ =1 ! reaction t w\ld leave h] able = him to g on & plan = ! future4 ,he rea*$ into a draw] ( a cab9et & pull$ out ! v>i\s %oe-pr9ts :i* he _h already %[n ,norton1 & :i* he _h /udi$ & re/udi$ s c>efully4 ,t is ! pr9t ( ! %oe 9 ! du/ ( ! ,egyptian s>cophagus ( ! ,museum1 he said quietly4 ,"s "o got 9 dur+ ! daytime & hid !re until ! place 0 lock$4 ,t is ! pr9t ( ,alfonso de ,mo*e's %oe1 t ( ,mr4 ,:itney's1 & t ( ,mr4 ,lockwood's4 ,he said x quickly1 z ?\gh try+ to gloss x ov]4 ,b %e w\ld n h x t way4 ,%e felt /rong]1 & %e 0 go+ to see j :at !re 0 !re4 ,%e took ! pr9ts & /udi$ !m1 ?\gh h] h& trembl$4 ,h]s 0 a rem>kable m9d4 ,x took only seconds to see :at o!rs w\ld h se5 only 9 m9utes4 ,b x 0 n ! reason+ faculty t 0 ar\s$ by :at %e saw4 ,x sank deep into h] he>t4 ,%e flung ! pap]s d[n4 ,i don't believe x6 %e defi$4 ,!re is "s mi/ake4 ,no--x _c be true6 ,x 0 a noble exhibition ( fai?4 ,i ?9k ,i h nev] se5 any in/ant m t5se ?an t 9 ,k5n$y's laboratory4 ,!re /ood ! beautiful girl decl>+ h] fai? 9 h] lov]1 reject+ ev5 ! implication t x might h be5 he :o _h tak5 ! dagg]1 p]haps murd]$ h] fa!r to insure ! possession ( h] fa!r's %>e ( ! treasure z well z ! possession ( h]self4 ,k5n$y did n try to combat x4 ,in/ead he treat$ h] v intuitions ) respect4 ,9 him !re 0 room = bo? fact & feel+4 ,s5orita1 he said f9ally1 9 a voice t 0 deep & ?rill+ ) feel+1 h ,i ev] be5 o!r ?an a fri5d to y8 ,h ,i ev] giv5 y cause to suspect ev5 "o little motive ( m9e8 ,%e fac$ him1 & !y look$ into ea* o!r's eyes an in/ant4 ,b x 0 long en\gh = ! man to und]/& ! woman & %e to und]/& him4 ,no1 %e murmur$1 glanc+ d[n aga94 ,!n tru/ me j ?is once4 ,d z ,i ask y4 ,= an in/ant %e /ruggl$ ) h]self4 ,:at w\ld he ask8 ,:at is x8 %e que/ion$1 rais+ h] eyes to him aga94 ,h y se5 ,mr4 ,lockwood8 ,no4 ,!n1 ,i want y to see him4 ,surely y wi% to h no secrets f him any m ?an y w\ld wi% him to h any?+ secret f y4 ,see him4 ,ask him frankly ab\t x all4 ,x is ! only fair ?+ to him--x is only fair to y\rself4 ,s5orita ,m5doza 0 no c[>d4 ,i--,i w1 %e almo/ :isp]$4 ,spl5did6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y 9 admiration4 ,i knew t y w\ld4 ,y are n ! woman :o c\ld d o!rwise4 ,may ,i see t y get home safely8 ,walt]1 call a taxicab4 ,s5orita ,m5doza 0 calm]1 ?\gh pale & /ill n]v\s1 :5 ,i return$4 ,k5n$y h&$ h] into ! c> & !n return$ to ! laboratory = two r l>ge packages1 :i* he h&$ to me4 ,y mu/ come along ) u1 ,walt]1 he said4 ,we %all ne$ y4 ,sc>cely a ^w 0 spok5 z we jolt$ ov] ! city pavem5ts & at la/ rea*$ ! ap>tm5t4 ,inez & ,craig ent]$ & ,i foll[$1 c>ry+ j "o ( ! packages z ,craig _h indicat$ by dumb %[1 leav+ ! o!r 9 ! c>1 :i* 0 to wait4 ,i ?9k y _h bett] write him a note1 sugge/$ ,craig1 z we ent]$ ! liv+ room4 ,i don't want y to see him until y feel bett]--&1 by ! way1 see him "h4 ,%e nodd$ ) a wan smile1 z ?\gh ?9k+ h[ unusual x 0 = a meet+ ( lov]s to be an ordeal1 !n excus$ h]self to write ! note4 ,%e _h no soon] disappe>$ ?an ,k5n$y unwrapp$ ! package :i* ,i _h br\ght4 ,f x he took a c$> box1 oblong1 ) a sort ( black disc fix$ to an arm on ! top4 ,9 ! face ( ! box 7 two little squ>e holes1 ) sides ( c$> :i* conv]g$ inw>d into ! box1 mak+ a pair ( little quadrangul> pyramidal holes :i* end$ 9 a small black circle 9 ! int]ior4 ,he look$ ab\t ! room quickly4 ,beside a w9d[ t op5$ out ov] a h\se sev]al /ories bel[ /ood a sectional bookcase4 ,into ?is bookcase1 back ( ! books1 9 ! %ad[1 he %ov$ ! little box1 to :i* he _h already atta*$ a spool ( twi/$ wires4 ,!n he op5$ ! w9d[ & dropp$ ! spool out1 lett+ x unw9d ( its own weight until x fell on ! ro( f> bel[4 ,he %ut ! w9d[ & rejo9$ me )\t a ^w4 ,a mom5t lat] %e return$ ) ! da9ty note :i* %e _h writt54 ,%all ,i s5d x by a mess5g]8 %e ask$4 ,yes1 please1 answ]$ ,k5n$y1 ris+4 ,z he mov$ a /ep to ! door he held out 8 h& to h]4 ,s5orita ,m5doza1 he said simply1 9 a tone t meant m ?an words1 y are a wond]ful woman4 ,%e took 8 h& )\t a ^w1 & a mom5t lat] we 7 :isk$ d[n 9 ! elevator4 ,i mu/ get on t ro( on "s pretext1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 z we rea*$ ! /reet & he got 8 be>+s4 ,let me see1 t h\se :i* backs up to ! ap>tm5t is ar\nd ! corn]4 ,h ! man drive u ar\nd !re4 ,we locat$ ! h\se & m\nt$ ! /eps4 ,on ! wall beside ! br[n/one door 0 pa/$ a little slip ( pap]1 ,furni%$ ,rooms4 ,spl5did6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 z he read x4 ,dismiss ! taxi & meet me inside ) ! o!r package4 ,by ! "t ,i _h paid ! man & come up ! /eps aga9 ,k5n$y _h made a dick] ) ! l&lady = a d\ble room on ! ?ird floor = bo? ( u1 &1 by paym5t ( a week's r5t1 we 7 to h imm$iate possession4 ,our baggage w foll[ to-day1 he expla9$1 z we m\nt$ ! /airs to ! room4 ,i ?\ght ! l&lady w\ld nev] get ?r\gh expatiat+ ^u :at a select place %e ran1 & ?us leave u alone 9 our room1 b at la/ ev5 h] flood ( words 0 /ill$ by dem&s f a s]vant d[n/airs :o mu/ be in/ruct$ if ! selectness ( ! e/abli%m5t 7 to be ma9ta9$4 ,no soon] 7 we alone ?an ,k5n$y tipto$ into ! hall & made sure t we 7 n wat*$4 ,x 0 !n ! "w ( only a few seconds to m\nt a ladd] to a scuttle1 unhook x1 & ga9 ! ro(4 ,!re1 dangl+ d[n f ! dizzy height above1 sway$ ! twi/$ wire4 ,he seiz$ x1 unroll$ x "s m1 & s5t me d[n/airs to cat* x1 z he swung x ov] ! edge ( ! ro( to "o ( our own w9d[s4 ,!n he rejo9$ me4 ,! o!r package1 :i* _h be5 heavi]1 consi/$ ( ano!r ( ^? my/]i\s boxes1 z well z sev]al dry cells4 ,quickly he atta*$ ! wires to ! box1 plac+ ! dry cells 9 ! circuit4 ,!n he began adju/+ ! me*anism ( ! box4 ,s f> ,i _h only a vague idea ( j :at he _h 9 m9d1 b gradually x began to dawn on me4 ,x 0 p]haps half an h\r1 p]haps long]1 aft] we _h left ! ,s5orita1 be=e1 sure t ev]y?+ 0 all "r ) 8 l9e & ! batt]ies :i* he _h br\ght1 ,k5n$y turn$ a little lev] t mov$ 9 a semicircle1 t\*+ "o aft] ano!r ( a s]ies ( buttons on ! face ( ! c$> box1 mean:ile hold+ a little black disc f ! back ( ! box to 8 e> z he adju/$ ! ?+4 ,no?+ seem$ to happ51 b ,i c\ld tell by ! look ( int5tness on 8 face t he 0 gett+ along all "r & 0 n worry+4 ,sudd5ly ! look on 8 face *ang$ to "o ( extreme satisfaction4 ,he dropp$ ! disc he 0 hold+ to 8 e> back into its comp>tm5t & turn$ to me4 ,all at once x seem$ z if ! room 9 :i* we 7 0 peopl$ by spirits4 ,!re 0 ! s\nd ( voices1 l\d1 cle>1 di/9ct4 ,x 0 uncanny4 ,he has j come 91 rem>k$ ,craig4 ,:o8 ,i ask$4 ,lockwood--c't y recognize 8 voice8 ,li/54 ,i did li/5 int5tly1 & ! m my e>s became adju/$1 ! m pla9ly ,i c\ld di/+ui% two voices1 t ( a man & t ( a woman4 ,x 0 inde$ ,lockwood & ! ,s5orita1 f> above u4 ,i w\ld h utt]$ an exclamation ( amazem5t1 b ,i c\ld n miss :at !y 7 say+4 ,!n y--y believe :at he says8 ask$ ,lockwood e>ne/ly4 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y has ! pr9ts1 repli$ ,inez tremul\sly4 ,y saw !m8 ,yes4 ,& y believe :at ,,he says1 too8 ,!re 0 a sil5ce4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$1 tapp+ ! box lightly4 ,a vocaphone1 repli$ ,k5n$y4 ,! little box t he>s & talks4 ,c !y he> u8 ,i ask$1 9 an awe/ruck :isp]4 ,n unless ,i want !m to he>1 he repli$1 indicat+ a swit*4 ,y rememb]1 ( c\rse1 ! v>i\s me*anical & electrical e>s1 su* z ! detectaphone1 :i* we h us$ = eavesdropp+ 9 o!r cases8 ,i nodd$4 ,well1 ?is is a new application :i* has be5 made ( ! detectaphone4 ,:5 ,i 0 us+ t disc f ! comp>tm5t !re1 ,i _h really a detectaphone4 ,b ?is is ev5 bett]4 ,y see h[ neat x all is8 ,?is is ! detective s]vice1 & m4 ,we c 'li/5 9' & we don't h to use e>-pieces1 ei!r1 = ?is is a regul> l\d-speak+ telephone--x talks "r out 9 meet+4 ,^? squ>e holes ) ! conv]g+ sides act z a sort ( megaphone to ! receiv]s1 ^? little circles back !re inside magnify+ ! s\nd & ?r[+ x out "h 9 ! room1 s t we c he> j z well z if we 7 up !re 9 ! room :]e !y are talk+4 ,li/5--,i ?9k !y are talk+ aga94 ,i suppose y "k t ,:itney & ,i h plac$ detectives on ! trail ( ,norton1 we c\ld he> ,lockwood say4 ,y h8 came back ! answ] 9 a voice :i* = ! fir/ "t s\nd$ cold4 ,lockwood mu/ h recogniz$ x4 ,he _h made a mi/ake4 ,x 0 no suffici5t answ] to any?+ t he _h done to ass]t t "s "o else _h also done some?+4 ,inez1 he said1 & we c\ld almo/ he> 8 feet z he mov$ ov] ! floor 9 h] direction 9 a la/ desp]ate appeal1 c't y tru/ me1 :5 ,i tell y t ev]y?+ is all "r1 t !y are try+ to ru9 me--) y8 ,!re 0 a sil5ce1 dur+ :i* we c\ld almo/ he> h] quick brea? come & g4 ,wom5--n ev5 ,p]uvian wom5 are l ! wom5 ( ! pa/1 ,*e/]1 %e said at l5g?4 ,we are n play?+s4 ,p]haps we h he>ts--b we also h heads4 ,we are n to be tak5 up & put d[n z y please4 ,we may love--b we also ?9k4 ,*e/]1 ,i h be5 to see ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 &-- ,%e /opp$4 ,x hurt too mu* to repeat :at %e _h se54 ,inez1 he implor$4 ,!re 0 evid5tly a great /ruggle ( love & suspicion go+ on 9 h]1 h] love ( him1 h] memory ( h] fa!r1 ! recollection ( :at %e _h he>d & se54 ,no "o c\ld h be5 z we 7 )\t wi%+ to help h]4 ,yet no "o c\ld help h]4 ,%e mu/ "w out h] own life h]self4 ,yes1 %e said f9ally1 ! /ruggle end$4 ,:at is x8 ,d y want me to tell y ! tru?8 ,yes1 %e murmur$4 ,8 voice 0 l[ & t5se4 ,i 0 !re--yes--b ! dagg] 0 gone6 ,,xvii ,,! ,,voice ,,f ,,! ,,air ,d y believe x8 ,i ask$ ,k5n$y1 z ! voices di$ away1 leav+ u ) a feel+ t "s "o _h gone out ( ! v room 9 :i* we 74 ,he %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s & said no?+4 ,b ,i _c say t he seem$ ill pleas$ at ! result ( ! int]view4 ,we'll j keep ?is vocaphone 91 he rem>k$4 ,x may come 9 h&y "s "t4 ,n[1 ,i ?9k we _h bett] g back to ! laboratory6 ,?+s h begun to move4 ,on ! way back he /opp$ to telephone ,norton to meet u & a few m9utes aft] we arriv$1 ! ar*aeologi/ ent]$4 ,k5n$y lo/ no "t 9 com+ directly to ! po9t1 & ,norton c\ld see1 9 fact seem$ to expect & be prep>$ = :at 0 com+4 ,well1 exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 y've done x1 ?is "t6 ,i "k :at y are go+ to ask1 return$ ,norton4 ,y are go+ to ask me :y ,i did x4 ,& ,i'm go+ to tell y4 ,aft] ,i left y1 ! o!r day1 ,i ?\ght ab\t x a long "t4 ,! m ,i ?\ght1 ! m ( a %ame x seem$ to me t a girl l t %\ld be made a victim ( h] feel+s4 ,x wasn't s mu* :at !y h done to me t made me d x4 ,i w\ld h act$ ! same if x _h be5 de ,mo*e in/ead ( ,lockwood :o 0 play+ on h] he>t4 ,i 0 afraid1 to tell ! tru?1 t y w\ldn't tell h] until x 0 too late4 ,& %e's too good to ?r[ h]self away & all[ h] =tune to be wa/$ by a c\ple ( speculators4 ,v well1 said ,craig4 ,= ! sake ( argum5t1 let u admit all t4 ,:at did y expect to accompli% by x8 ,:y--put an end to x1 ( c\rse4 ,b d y ?9k %e 0 go+ to accept z tru? :at y told h]8 ,w\ld t be natural = "o s high-/rung8 ,p]haps n--"r away4 ,b ,i suppos$ %e w\ld come to y--z ,i see %e has1 = y "k ab\t x4 ,aft] t1 x 0 only a "q ( "t4 ,x may h be5 a h]oic rem$y1 b ! disease 0 critical4 ,suppose1 sugge/$ ,craig1 t1 aft] all1 he told h] t he 0 !re 9 ! ,museum1 b t he did n get ! dagg]4 ,& suppose t %e believ$ x4 ,:at !n8 ,norton look$ up quickly4 ,did he tell h] t8 ,i am suppos+ t he did1 repeat$ ,craig1 decl9+ to place himself 9 a position :i* might lead to disclos+ h[ he f\nd out4 ,!n ,i %\ld say t he 0 a great deal clev]] ?an ,i gave him cr$it = be+1 return$ ,norton4 ,well1 x's done n[1 & c't be undone4 ,h y f\nd out any?+ ab\t ! de ,mo*es8 ,n v mu*1 ,i mu/ admit4 ,( c\rse1 y "k ,i'm n on ! be/ ( t]ms ) !m1 = "s reason or o!r4 ,b ,i've be5 ar\nd ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t a good deal1 & ,i don't ?9k !y've be5 able to d mu* t ,i hav5't "s k9d ( l9e on4 ,alfonso seems to be mop+4 ,8 pr(essors "h tell me t he has be5 neglect+ 8 "w sadly = ! pa/ few days4 ,! ,s5ora & ,:itney seem to be z fri5dly z ev]4 ,i %\ld say t !y 7 go+ ! pace fa/1 & x %[s on him4 ,i glanc$ significantly at ,k5n$y1 b he betray$ no?+ t might lead "o to suppose he _h discov]$ ! cause4 ,evid5tly he 0 n ready yet to come out into ! op5 & expect$ fur!r developm5ts on ! poison$ cig>ette clue4 ,! telephone rang & ,craig took d[n ! receiv]4 ,yes1 ?is is ,k5n$y1 he answ]$4 ,oh1 hello1 ,lockwood4 ,:at's t8 ,y've be5 try+ to get me all day8 ,i j came 94 ,:y1 yes1 ,i c see y 9 ab\t half an h\r4 ,i guess ,i'd bett] cle> out1 said ,norton ) a bitt] laugh1 z ,k5n$y hung up ! receiv]4 ,!re h be5 en\gh crimes committ$ )\t add+ ano!r murd] to ! li/4 ,keep on wat*+ ! de ,mo*es1 reque/$ ,k5n$y z ,norton made 8 way to ! door4 ,yes1 agre$ ,norton4 ,!y w be> x--p>ticul>ly ,alfonso4 ,!y are hot-blood$4 ,y nev] "k :at !y are go+ to d1 & !y keep _! own c\nsel4 ,i might hope t ,lockwood w\ld =get2 b a de ,mo*e--nev]4 ,i _c say t ,i envi$ him v mu*1 = d\btless :at he said 0 true1 ?\gh 8 dang] might be mitigat$ by ! fact t ! dagg] 0 no long] 9 8 ,museum4 ,/ill1 x w\ld nev] h left ,p]u1 ,i reflect$1 if x _h n be5 = him1 & !re is1 ev5 9 ! be/ ( u1 a sm\ld]+ desire = rev5ge4 ,lockwood 0 m ?an prompt4 ,i _h expect$ t he w\ld bur/ into ! laboratory prep>$ to clean ?+s out4 ,in/ead he came 9 z ?\gh no?+ at all _h happ5$4 ,!re's no use m9c+ words1 ,k5n$y1 he began4 ,y "k t ,i "k :at has happ5$4 ,t sc\ndrel1 ,norton1 has told ,inez t y _h %oe-pr9ts ( "s "o :o 0 9 ! ,museum ! night ( ! robb]y & t ^? %oe-pr9ts correspond ) m9e4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ,k5n$y1 ,i 0 !re4 ,i 0 !re to get ! dagg]4 ,b be=e ,i c\ld get x1 "s "o else mu/ h done s4 ,x 0 gone4 ,i want$ to believe ,lockwood4 ,z = ,craig he said no?+4 ,!n1 :5 ,i did h a *ance to get away t night1 he cont9u$1 ,i w5t ov] to ,m5doza's4 ,! re/ y "k4 ,y h told ,inez t8 ask$ ,k5n$y 9 ord] to seem prop]ly surpris$4 ,yes--& ,i ?9k %e believes me4 ,i c't say4 ,?+s are /ra9$ ) h]4 ,x w take "t4 ,i'm n "o ( ^? :o c take a girl by ma9 =ce & make h] d :at %e won't d4 ,i wi% ,i c\ld smoo? ?+s ov]4 ,let me see ! pr9ts4 ,k5n$y h&$ !m ov] to him4 ,he look$ at !m1 long & closely1 !n h&$ back ! damn+ evid5ce aga9/ himself4 ,i "k x w\ld be no use to de/roy ^!1 he rem>k$4 ,9 ! fir/ place t w\ld really incrim9ate me4 ,& 9 ! second ,i suppose y h copies4 ,craig smil$ bl&ly4 ,b ,i c tell y1 he exclaim$1 br++ 8 fi/ d[n on ! laboratory table ) a bang1 t be=e ,i lose t girl1 somebody w pay = x--& !re won't be any mi/akes made1 ei!r4 ,! sc[l on 8 face & ! m5ac+ look 9 8 eye %[$ t n[1 ) 8 back up aga9/ ! wall1 he 0 n bluff+4 ,he seem$ to get little satisfaction out ( 8 visit to u1 & 9 fact ,i ?9k he made x m 9 a _s ( bravado ?an any?+ else4 ,lockwood _h sc>cely gone be=e ,k5n$y pull$ out ! ,univ]sity s*$ule1 & ran 8 f+] d[n x4 ,alfonso ought to be at a lecture 9 ! ,s*ool ( ,m9es1 he said f9ally1 fold+ up ! pap]4 ,i wi% y'd g ov] & see if he is !re1 &1 if he is1 ask him to /ep into ! laboratory4 ,! lecture 0 9 progress all "r1 b :5 ,i pe]$ into ! room x 0 evid5t t de ,mo*e 0 n !re4 ,norton 0 "r4 ,! "y man 0 neglect+ 8 "w4 ,evid5tly ! repeat$ rebuffs ( ,inez _h work$ havoc ) him4 ,nor 0 he at ! hotel1 z we f\nd out by call+ up4 ,!re 0 only "o o!r place t ,i c\ld ?9k ( :]e he w\ld be likely to be & t 0 at ! ap>tm5t ( ,inez4 ,app>5tly ! same idea occurr$ to ,k5n$y1 = he sugge/$ go+ back to our obs]vation po9t 9 ! bo>d+-h\se & f9d+ out4 ,all ! re/ ( ! day we li/5$ ?r\gh ! vocaphone1 b )\t f9d+ out a ?+ ( int]e/4 ,n[ & !n we w\ld try ! detective in/rum5t1 ! little black disc 9 ! back1 b ) no bett] success4 ,!n we det]m9$ to li/5 9 relays1 "o li/5+1 :ile ! o!r w5t out = d9n]4 ,x mu/ h be5 j a bit aft] d>k t we c\ld he> ,inez talk+ 9 a l[ tone ) ,juanita4 ,a buzz+ noise indicat$ t !re 0 "s "o at ! hall door4 ,if x's any "o = me1 we he>d ,inez say1 tell !m t ,i w be out directly4 ,i'm n fit to be se5 n[4 ,! door 0 op5$ & a voice :i* we c\ld n place ask$ = ! s5orita4 ,a mom5t lat] ,juanita return$ & ask$ ! visitor to be seat$ a few mom5ts4 ,x 0 n long be=e we 7 sudd5ly aw>e t !re 0 ano!r p]son 9 ! room4 ,we c\ld he> :isp]s4 ,! fai?ful little vocaphone ev5 pick$ !m up & %ot !m d[n to u4 ,is ev]y?+ all "r8 :isp]$ "o1 a new voice :i* 0 some:at famili> ,i ?\ght1 b disguis$ beyond recognition4 ,yes4 ,%e'll be out 9 a m9ute4 ,n[1 rememb] :at ,i told y4 ,if ?is ?+ works y get fifty doll>s m4 ,i'd bett] put ?is mask on--damn x6--! slit's torn4 ,x'll d4 ,i'll hide "h z soon z we he> h]4 ,t's a pretty nice private ambulance y h d[n !re4 ,did y tell ! elevator boy t %e _h sudd5ly be5 tak5 ill8 ,t's all fix$1 !n4 ,i've got ! /uff--amyl nitrite--%e'll g (f l a %ot4 ,b we'll h to "w quick4 ,x only keeps h] "u a few m9utes4 ,i c't we> ?is mask d[n & ,i'm afraid "s "o w recognize me4 ,oh1 y br\ght a be>d4 ,good4 ,i'll give y ! signal4 ,!re mu/ be no noise4 ,yes1 ,i saw ! /ret*] :]e y left x 9 ! hall4 ,all "r1 ,doc1 return$ ! fir/ & unfamili> voice4 ,x all happ5$ s quickly t we 7 completely b[l$ ov] = ! mom5t4 ,:o 0 ! man address$ z ,doc8 ,!re 0 no "t to f9d out1 no "t to d any?+1 app>5tly1 s quickly _h ! plot be5 sprung4 ,i look$ at ,k5n$y1 agha/1 n kn[+ :at to d 9 ?is unexpect$ crisis4 ,a mom5t lat] we he>d a voice1 ,i'm sorry to h _h to keep y wait+1 b :at is x t ,i c d = y8 ,good ,god6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4 ,x is ,inez h]self6 ,x 0 altoge!r too late to get ov] !re to w>n h]1 p]haps ev5 to rescue h]4 ,:at c\ld we d8 ,if we c\ld only %\t = help4 ,b :at good w\ld t d1 ar\nd a corn] & s f> away8 ,! vocaphone itself6 ,quickly ,k5n$y turn$ ano!r swit*1 ( a rheo/at1 :i* acc5tuat$ a :isp] to almo/ a %\t4 ,don't be al>m$1 ,s5orita1 he cri$4 ,?is is ,k5n$y talk+4 ,look "u ! bookcase by ! w9d[4 ,y w f9d a c$> box4 ,x is a detective vocaphone ?r\gh :i* ,i c he> y & :i* is talk+ out to y4 ,i h he>d some?+ j !re j n[-- ,yes1 yes4 ,g on6 ,y are ?reat5$4 ,%\t6 ,%\t6 ,j !n !re came a s\nd ( a scuffle & a muffl$ cry :i* 0 n mu* above a :isp]1 z ?\gh a /rong h& 0 clapp$ ov] h] m\?4 ,:at c\ld we d8 ,juanita--,juanita--help6--police6 %\t$ ,craig himself ?r\gh ! vocaphone4 ,an in/ant lat] we c\ld he> o!r screams z ,juanita he>d & spread ! al>m1 n a second too soon4 ,come on1 ,walt]1 %\t$ ,k5n$y da%+ out ( ! room1 n[ t he 0 assur$ ! al>m _h be5 giv54 ,we hurri$ ar\nd ! corn]1 & into ! ap>tm5t4 ,"o ( ! elevators 0 up1 & no "o 0 runn+ ! o!r1 b we op5$ ! gates & ,k5n$y ran x up by himself4 ,9 ! ,m5doza ap>tm5t all 0 a babel ( voices1 e "o talk+ at once4 ,did y get !m8 ,craig ask$1 look+ ab\t4 ,no1 sir1 repli$ ! elevator boy4 ,"o ( !m came 9 f ! ambulance & told me ,miss ,m5doza 0 sudd5ly tak5 sick4 ,he rode up ) ! /ret*]4 ,! o!r "o mu/ h walk$ up4 ,d y "k him8 ,has he ev] be5 "h be=e8 ,i c't say1 sir4 ,i didn't see him4 ,at lea/1 sir1 :5 ,i he>d ! screams ,i ran 9 f ! elevator1 :i* ! o!r "o told me to wait )--left ! door op54 ,j z ,i ran 91 !y dodg$ out pa/ me1 jump$ into ! c> & rode d[n4 ,i guess !y mu/ h _h ! eng9e ( ! ambulance motor runn+1 sir1 if !y got away )\t y see+ !m4 ,we 7 too late to head !m f spe$+ (f4 ,b1 at lea/1 we _h sav$ ! ,s5orita4 ,%e 0 t]ribly upset by ! attack1 mu* %ak51 b really all "r4 ,h y any idea :o x c\ld be8 ask$ ,craig z ! fai?ful ,juanita c>$ = h]4 ,i don't "k ! man :o 0 wait+ & ',nita nev] saw him1 ei!r1 %e repli$4 ,! "o :o jump$ out f beh9d ! porti]es _h on a mask & a false be>d4 ,b ,i didn't recognize any?+ ab\t him4 ,sudd5 z ! attack _h be5 & s]i\s z might h be5 ! outcome1 we c\ld n b feel happy t x _h be5 fru/rat$4 ,yet x seem$ t "s "o ought to be delegat$ to see t su* a ?+ c\ld n occur aga94 ,we mu/ ?9k up "s means ( protect+ y1 soo!d ,k5n$y4 ,let me see1 ,mr4 ,lockwood & ,mr4 ,:itney seem to be ! close/ to y4 ,if y don't m9d ,i'll call !m up4 ,i wond] if y'd object if we _h a little lun*eon up "h1 to-morr[8 ,i h a special reason = ask+ x4 ,i want to insure y\r safety & we may z well meet on common gr\nd4 ,!re isn't ! slighte/ objection 9 ! _w1 %e repli$1 z ,k5n$y rea*$ = ! telephone4 ,we _h "s little difficulty 9 locat+ bo? ,lockwood & ,:itney1 b f9ally aft] a "t manag$ to f9d !m & arrange = ! conf]5ce on ! ,s5orita's safety = ! next day4 ,outside ,k5n$y gave in/ructions to ! (fic] on ! beat to wat* ! ap>tm5t p>ticul>ly1 & !re 0 no reason n[ to fe> a repetition ( ! attempt1 at lea/ t night4 ,,xviii ,,! ,,antidote ,e>ly ! foll[+ morn+ ,k5n$y left me alone 9 ! laboratory & made a trip d[nt[n1 :]e he visit$ a ,s\? ,am]ican tobacco deal] & plac$ a ru% ord] = a c\ple ( hundr$ cig>ettes exactly simil> 9 %ape & quality to ^? :i* ,m5doza _h smok$ & :i* ! o!rs seem$ also to pref]1 except1 h[ev]1 t ! deadly drug 0 left out4 ,:ile he 0 gone1 x occurr$ to me to take up aga9 ! hunt = ,alfonso4 ,norton 0 n 9 8 little (fice1 nor c\ld ,i f9d ,alfonso any:]e ab\t ! campus4 ,9 fact he seem$ to h almo/ dropp$ out ( 8 ,univ]sity "w = ! "t4 ,accord+ly1 ,i turn$ my /eps t[>d ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t ,hotel1 9 ! hope t he might be !re4 ,inquiries ( ! cl]k at ! desk told me t he _h be5 !re1 b 0 out j at t mom5t4 ,i did n see ,:itney ar\nd1 nor ! ,s5ora1 s ,i sat d[n to wait1 hav+ no?+ bett] to d until ,k5n$y's return4 ,i 0 ab\t to give x up & g1 :5 ,i he>d a cab drive up to ! door &1 look+ up1 ,i saw ,alfonso get out4 ,he saw me ab\t ! same "t & we b[$4 ,i d n ?9k he ev5 tri$ to avoid me4 ,i hav5't se5 y = "s "t1 ,i rem>k$1 se>*+ 8 face1 :i* seem$ to me to be pal] ?an x _h be54 ,no1 he repli$4 ,i hav5't be5 feel+ v well lately & ,i've be5 runn+ up into ! c\ntry n[ & !n to a quiet hotel--a sort ( re/ cure1 ,i suppose y w\ld call x4 ,h[ are y8 ,h[ is ,s5orita ,inez8 ,v well1 ,i repli$1 wond]+ :e!r he _h said :at he did 9 ! hope ( e/abli%+ a complete alibi = ! ev5ts ( ! night be=e4 ,briefly ,i told him :at _h happ5$1 omitt+ ref]5ce to ! vocaphone & our real "p 9 x4 ,t is t]rible1 he exclaim$4 ,oh1 if %e w\ld only all[ me to take c>e ( h]--,i w\ld take h] back to our own c\ntry1 :]e %e w\ld be safe1 f> away f ^! p :o seek to prey on all ( u4 ,he pac$ up & d[n n]v\sly1 & ,i c\ld see t my in=mation _h add$ no?+ to 8 peace ( m9d1 ?\gh1 at ! same "t1 he _h betray$ no?+ on 8 "p4 ,i 0 j pass+ ?r\gh1 ,i said f9ally1 look+ at my wat*1 & happ5$ to see y4 ,i hope y\r "m is well8 ,z well z is to be expect$1 surr\nd$ by p :o wat* e act1 he repli$1 ,i ?\ght ) a rap at u = hav+ ,norton ab\t & s active1 ?\gh ,i c\ld n be sure4 ,we sep>at$1 & ,i ha/5$ back to ! laboratory to report to ,craig t ,alfonso 0 ru/icat+ = 8 heal?4 ,k5n$y1 on 8 "p1 _h _h an exp]i5ce1 ?\gh x 0 no m conclusive ?an my own4 ,aft] he _h left ! tobacco di/rict1 he _h walk$ up ,wall ,/reet to ! subway4 ,9 ! cr[d he _h se5 ,s5ora de ,mo*e1 al?\gh %e _h n se5 him4 ,he _h turn$ & foll[$ h] until %e ent]$ ! build+ 9 :i* ,:itney & 8 associates _h _! (fices4 ,:e!r x indicat$ t %e 0 /ill lead+ !m a *ase1 or !y h]1 0 impossible to det]m9e1 b x at lea/ %[$ t !y 7 /ill on fri5dly t]ms ) ea* o!r4 ,9 ! laboratory he c\ld always f9d some?+ to d on ! case1 ei!r 9 p]fect+ 8 *emical te/s ( ! v>i\s drugs we _h discov]$1 or 9 try+ to deciph] "s simil>ities 9 ! r\gh pr9t+ ( ! f\r w>n+s & ! anonym\s lett] ) ! kn[n h&writ+ ( ^? connect$ ) ! case1 _m specim5s ( :i* he bad be5 quietly collect+4 ,t 9 itself 0 a trem5d\sly m9ute job1 entail+ n only a va/ am\nt ( exp]t k su* z he _h collect$ 9 8 ye>s ( /udy+ crime sci5tifically1 b ! mo/ exact measurem5ts & c>eful weigh+ & balanc+ ( trifles1 :i* to ! unsci5tific convey$ no mean+s at all4 ,/ill1 he seem$ to be =g+ ahead1 ?\gh he nev] betray$ :at direction ! evid5ce seem$ to be tak+4 ,! package ( cig>ettes :i* he _h ord]$ d[nt[n 0 deliv]$ ab\t an h\r aft] 8 return & seem$ to be ! signal = him to drop "w1 = ! meet+ ) ,lockwood & ,:itney _h be5 set e>ly4 ,he /[$ ! package 9 8 pockets & !n w5t ov] to a cab9et 9 :i* he kept a numb] ( r uncommon drugs4 ,f x he took a little vial :i* he %ov$ into 8 wai/coat pocket4 ,are y ready1 ,walt]8 he ask$4 ,:5ev] y are1 ,i said1 lay+ aside my writ+4 ,toge!r we made our way d[n to ! ,m5doza ap>tm5t :i* _h be5 ! sc5e ( ! ne>-trag$y ! night be=e4 ,outside1 he paus$ = sev]al mom5ts to make inquiries ab\t any suspici\s p]sons t might h be5 se5 lurk+ ab\t ! neighb\rhood4 ,none ( ! att5dants 9 ! ap>tm5t rememb]$ hav+ se5 any1 & !y 7 n[ v al]t aft] ! two ev5ts1 ! murd] & ! attempt$ abduction4 ,n a clue seem$ to h be5 left by ! villa9 :o _h be5 call$ ,doc4 ,h[ d y feel aft] y\r ?rill+ exp]i5ce8 greet$ ,craig pleasantly1 z ,juanita admitt$ u & ,inez came =w>d4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 %e answ]$1 ) a note ( sadness 9 h] tone4 ,x makes me feel s alone 9 ! _w4 ,if x 7 n = ',nita--& y1 ,i don't "k :at ,i %\ld d4 ,doesn't ,mr4 ,lockwood c\nt8 ask$ ,k5n$y obs]vantly4 ,( c\rse--ev]y?+1 %e answ]$ ha/ily4 ,b he has to be away s mu* on bus9ess1 &-- ,%e paus$ & sigh$4 ,i c\ld n help wond]+ :e!r1 aft] all1 8 explanation ( ! dagg] episode _h be5 en\gh to satisfy h]4 ,_h %e really accept$ x8 ,nei!r ,lockwood nor ,:itney _h arriv$1 & ,k5n$y improv$ ! opportunity to h a quiet talk aside ) h]1 at :i*1 ,i imag9e1 he 0 arrang+ a programme ( :at 0 to happ5 at ?is meet+ & h] "p 9 x to co-op]ate ) him4 ,%e _h left ! room = a mom5t & we 7 alone4 ,x 0 evid5tly a "p ( 8 plan1 = no soon] 0 %e gone ?an he op5$ ! package ( cig>ettes :i* he _h ord]$ & took out f ! box 9 :i* ,m5doza _h kept 8 cig>ettes ^? t 7 !re1 sub/itut+ ^? he _h br\ght4 ,we _h n long to wait1 n[4 ,lockwood & ,:itney came toge!r4 ,i 0 int]e/$ to see ! greet+ ( ,inez & h] lov]4 ,0 x pure fancy1 or did ,i detect a trace ( coldness z ?\gh !re _h sprung up some?+ betwe5 !m8 ,z f> z ,lockwood 0 conc]n$1 ,i felt sure t he 0 eag] to break d[n any b>ri] t kept !m f be+ z !y _h be54 ,:itney took h] h& & held x1 9 a playful sort ( way4 ,i wi% ,i 7 a "y buck1 he smil$4 ,no "o w\ld d>e look at y--mu* less try to c>ry y (f4 ,yes1 we mu/ be m c>eful ( our little beauty1 or we %all lose h]4 ,!y turn$ to greet u4 ,i felt1 z we %ook h&s1 t x 0 mu* ! same sort ( h&%ake t "o sees 9 ! prize r+--to be foll[$ by ! clang ( a bell1 !n all go+ to x1 9 battle royal1 ) ! devil aft] ! h9dmo/4 ,!re 0 sc>cely a *ance = a prelim9>y b\t be=e lun*eon 0 ann\nc$1 & we ent]$ ! cozy little d9+-room to seat ourselves at ! da9tie/ ( tables4 ,"o c\ld feel ! ho/ess radiat+ hospitality1 ev5 on su* a cross-curr5t set ( gue/s z we 71 & = ! "t1 ,i almo/ felt t x _h be5 ,k5n$y's purpose to promote a love-fea/ in/ead ( an arm$ truce4 ,no?+ 0 said ab\t ! ma9 cause ( our be+ toge!r = "s "t1 & ! small talk almo/ lift$ = a "t ! incubus t _h settl$ d[n on all our lives s9ce ! trag$y 9 ! d5 at ! o!r end ( ! suite4 ,b ! fact c\ld n be bl9k$4 ,tacitly e "o seem$ to wait on ,k5n$y to s\nd ! gong4 ,f9ally he did s4 ,( c\rse1 he began1 cle>+ 8 ?roat1 !re is no use mak+ believe ab\t any?+4 ,i ?9k we all und]/& ea* o!r bett] n[ ?an we h ev] done be=e4 ,z = me1 ,i am 9 ?is case "u a promise to /ick to x & fight x to ! end4 ,i suppose ! re/ ( y are1 also4 ,b t ne$ n prev5t u agree+ on "o ?+4 ,we c "w toge!r to protect ,s5orita ,m5doza1 at lea/1 f su* dang] z ?reat5$ h] la/ night4 ,x's a da/>dly %ame1 ,lockwood exclaim$ angrily1 t a man :o w\ld attempt a ?+ l t %\ld g unpuni%$4 ,%[ me h[ to trace him & ,i'll gu>antee ! puni%m5t1 rejo9$ ,craig drily4 ,i am n a detective1 repli$ ,lockwood4 ,k5n$y =ebore to reply 9 k9d1 ?\gh ,i knew !re 0 a ready answ] on 8 tongue = ! lov]4 ,ev] s9ce !y _h arriv$1 ! ,s5orita _h se5 t !y 7 well suppli$ ) cig>ettes f ! case 9 :i* %e & !y suppos$ 7 ! g5u9e ,s\? ,am]ican br& ( h] fa!r4 ,k5n$y & ,i smok$ !m1 too1 al?\gh nei!r ( u lik$ !m v mu*4 ,! o!rs 7 smok+ furi\sly4 ,h[ev]1 resum$ ,k5n$y1 ,i d n feel t ,i want to intrude myself 9 ?is matt] )\t be+ p]fectly frank & hav+ ! approval ( ,s5orita ,m5doza4 ,%e has kn[n bo? ( y long] & m intimately ?an %e has kn[n me1 al?\gh %e has se5 fit to place c]ta9 ( h] affairs 9 my h&s1 = :i* ,i tru/ ,i %all r5d] a good acc\nt ( my /ew>d%ip4 ,x seems to me1 ?\gh1 t if !re is1 z we n[ "k !re is1 "s "o :om we d n "k--he paus$--:o has sunk s l[ z to wi% to c>ry h] (f1 app>5tly :]e %e %all be out ( ! influ5ce ( h] fri5ds1 x is only "r t precautions %\ld be tak5 to prev5t x4 ,:at is y\r sugge/ion8 dem&$ ,:itney1 r cont5ti\sly4 ,w\ld !re be any objection1 ask$ ,k5n$y1 if ,i %\ld ask my old fri5d1--or any ( y may d x1--,deputy ,commission] ,o',connor to detail a pla9clo!sman to wat* ?is h\se & neighb\rhood1 especially at night8 ,we wat*$ ! faces ( ! o!rs4 ,b x 0 really ( no use4 ,i ?9k t is an excell5t plan1 decid$ ,inez h]self4 ,i %all feel mu* saf] & surely none ( y c be jeal\s ( ! city detectives4 ,k5n$y smil$4 ,%e _h cut ! ,gordian knot ) a bl[4 ,nei!r ,lockwood nor ,:itney c\ld object4 ,! purpose ( ! lun*eon 0 accompli%$4 ,9 fact he did n wait = fur!r consid]ation1 b excus$ himself f ! table = a mom5t to call up our old fri5d ,o',connor & tell him h[ gravely 8 man 0 ne$$4 ,x 0 a matt] ( only a few m9utes :5 he return$ f ! o!r room4 ,he w detail ,burke = ?is special s]vice z long z we want him1 report$ ,craig1 sitt+ d[n aga94 ,inez 0 delight$1 naturally1 = ! affair _h be5 a t]rific %ock to h]4 ,i c\ld see h[ reliev$ %e felt1 = ,i 0 sitt+ directly next to h]4 ,! maid _h1 mean:ile br\ght 9 ! c(fee & ,inez _h be5 wait+ to p\r until ,k5n$y return$4 ,%e did n d s1 n[1 ei!r1 h[ev]4 ,x seem$ z if %e 7 wait+ = "s k9d ( signal f ,k5n$y4 ,:at a spl5did view ( ! p>k y get "h1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y turn+ t[>d ! long1 l[ w9d[s t op5$ on a balu/rad$ balcony4 ,j look at t /ream ( automobiles pass+ on ! we/ drive4 ,common polit5ess dictat$ t all %\ld turn & look1 al?\gh !re 0 no novelty 9 ! sight = any ( u4 ,z ,i h said1 ,i 0 sitt+ next to ,inez4 ,to me %e 0 a f> m attractive sight ?an any view ( ! p>k4 ,i b>ely look$ out ( ! w9d[4 ,imag9e my surprise1 !n1 at see+ h] take advantage ( ! div]sion to draw f ! folds ( h] dress a little vial & p\r a bit ( yell[i%1 syrupy liquid into ! cup ( c(fee :i* %e 0 prep>+ = ,:itney4 ,i c\ld n help look+ at h] quickly4 ,%e saw t ,i _h se5 h] & rais$ h] o!r h& ) a f+] to h] lips & an explanatory glance at ,k5n$y :o 0 keep+ ! o!rs int]e/$4 ,in/antly1 ,i recogniz$ ! little vial :i* ,craig _h %ov$ into 8 wai/coat pocket4 ,t _h be5 ! purpose ( 8 :isp]$ conf]5ce ) h] :5 we arriv$4 ,i said no?+1 b det]m9$ to obs]ve m closely4 ,m c(fee & m cig>ettes foll[$1 always f ! same box :i* 0 n[ on ! table4 ,! lun*eon develop$ almo/ a real conv]sation4 ,= ! "t1 "u ! spell ( our ho/ess1 we ne>ly =got t we 7 9 reality bitt] enemies4 ,my real int]e/1 z "t pass$1 c5tr$ 9 ,:itney & ,i c\ld n help wat*+ him closely4 ,0 x a fact1 or 0 x m]ely my imag9ation8 ,he seem$ q diff]5t4 ,! pupils ( 8 eyes did n seem to be q s dilat$ z !y _h be5 at o!r times1 or ev5 :5 he arriv$4 ,ev5 8 he>t action appe>$ to be m normal4 ,i ?9k ,inez notic$ x1 too4 ,!re 0 none ( ! wildness 9 8 conv]sation1 su* z !re (t5 _h be5 at o!r times4 ,our p>ty 0 prolong$ beyond ! "t we _h expect$1 b1 al?\gh he _h mu* on 8 m9d1 ,k5n$y made no move to break x up4 ,9 fact he did ev]y?+ to enc\rage x4 ,at la/1 h[ev]1 ! o!rs did notice ! "t1 & ,i ?9k x 0 ) s9c]e regret t ! truce 0 brok54 ,ev5 !n1 no p>t+ %ots 7 indulg$ 94 ,z we left1 ,inez ?ank$ ,k5n$y = 8 consid]ation1 & ,i am sure t t 9 itself 0 rew>d en\gh4 ,we p>t$ f ,lockwood1 :o wi%$ to rema9 a little :ile1 & rode d[n 9 ! elevator ) ,:itney1 a *ang$ man4 ,i'll walk ov] to ! elevat$ ) y1 he said4 ,i 0 go+ to my hotel1 b ,i ?9k ,i'll g d[n to ! (fice in/ead4 ,evid5tly he _h got ,s5ora de ,mo*e out ( 8 m9d1 at lea/ tempor>ily1 ,i ?\ght4 ,!n = ! fir/ "t ,i recall$ t dur+ ! :ole lun*eon !re _h be5 no ref]5ce to ei!r ! ,s5ora or ,alfonso1 ?\gh bo? mu/ h be5 9 our m9ds (t54 ,:at 0 x y _h ,inez drop into ,:itney's c(fee8 ,i ask$ ,craig z we p>t$ f him & rode upt[n4 ,y saw t8 he smil$4 ,x 0 piloc>p9e1 jabor&i1 a plant f\nd l>gely 9 ,brazil1 "o ( ! antidotes = /ramonium poison+4 ,x doesn't "w ) e "o4 ,b x seems to h done s ) him4 ,besides1 ! caffe9e 9 ! c(fee probably aid$ ! piloc>p9e4 ,!n1 too1 ,i made !m smoke cig>ettes )\t ! dope t is be+ f$ !m4 ,lockwood's case1 = "s reason1 hasn't gone f>4 ,b did y notice h[ ! treatm5t contract$ ! pupils ( ,:itney's eyes almo/ back to normal aga98 ,i _h & said s1 add+1 ,b :at 0 y\r idea8 ,i ?9k ,i've got at ! case f a br&-new angle1 he repli$4 ,unless ,i am greatly mi/ak51 :5 ! p]son :o is do+ ! dop+ sees t ,:itney is gett+ bett]--:y1 ,i ?9k y all notic$ x1 ,inez & ,lockwood z well z y--x w mean ano!r attempt to sub/itute m cig>ettes dop$ ) t drug4 ,i ?9k x's by sub/itution t x's be+ done4 ,we'll see4 ,at ! laboratory1 ,k5n$y call$ ,norton & describ$ briefly :at _h happ5$1 especially to ,:itney4 ,n[ is y\r *ance1 ,norton1 he add$1 to d "s real good "w4 ,i want "s "o to wat* ! ,s5ora1 see if %e1 too1 notes ! diff]5ce 9 him4 ,und]/&8 ,p]fectly1 return$ ,norton4 ,t is some?+ ,i ?9k ,i c d4 ,,xix ,,! ,,burgl> ,,p[d] ,x 0 n until aft] d9n] t we he>d aga9 f ,norton4 ,he _h evid5tly sp5t ! "t fai?fully hang+ ab\t ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t1 b ,:itney _h n come 91 al?\gh ! ,s5ora & ,alfonso 7 ab\t4 ,i saw !m leav+ ! d9+-room1 he report$ to u 9 ! laboratory directly aft]w>d1 j z ,:itney came 94 ,!y c\ld n see me4 ,i took good c>e ( t4 ,b1 say1 !re is a *ange 9 ,:itney1 isn't !re8 ,i wond] :at caus$ x8 ,x's z noticeable z t8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,& did %e notice x8 ,i'm sure ( x1 repli$ ,norton confid5tly4 ,%e c\ldn't help x4 ,besides1 aft] he left h] & w5t into ! d9+-room himself %e & ,alfonso seem$ to be discuss+ some?+4 ,i'm sure x 0 t4 ,k5n$y said no?+1 except to ?ank ,norton & complim5t him on 8 p[]s ( obs]vation4 ,norton took ! praise ) evid5t satisfaction1 & aft] a mom5t excus$ himself1 say+ t he _h "s "w to d ov] 9 ! ,museum4 ,he _h no soon] gone ?an ,k5n$y took f a draw] a little packet ( p[d] & an atomiz] full ( liquid1 :i* he dropp$ into 8 pocket4 ,i ?9k ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t w be ! sc5e ( our op]ations1 to-night1 ,walt]1 he ann\nc$1 rea*+ = 8 hat4 ,he seem$ to be 9 a hurry & x 0 n _m m9utes be=e we ent]$4 ,z he pass$ ! d9+-room he glanc$ 94 ,!re 0 ,:itney1 n half ?r\gh a leisurely d9n]4 ,nei!r ( ! de ,mo*es seem$ to be d[n/airs4 ,k5n$y saunt]$ ov] to ! desk & look$ ov] ! regi/]4 ,we already knew t ,:itney & ! ,s5ora _h suites on ! eigh? floor1 on opposite sides & at opposite ends ( ! hall4 ,! de ,mo*e suite 0 "u ! numb] #haj4 ,t ( ,:itney 0 #hbe4 ,is ei!r #hbc or #hbg vacant8 ask$ ,k5n$y z ! cl]k came ov] to u4 ,he turn$ to look ov] 8 li/4 ,yes1 #hbg is vacant1 he f\nd4 ,i'd l to h x1 said ,k5n$y1 mak+ "s excuse ab\t our luggage be+ delay$1 z he paid = x = ! night4 ,front6 call$ ! cl]k1 & a mom5t lat] we f\nd ourselves 9 ! elevator rid+ up4 ,! halls 7 des]t$ at t "t 9 ! ev5+ except = a belat$ !atre-go]1 & 9 a few m9utes !re w\ld ensue a p]iod 9 :i* !re 0 likely to be no "o ab\t4 ,we ent]$ ! room next to ,:itney's )\t be+ obs]v$ by any "o ( :om we c>$4 ,! boy left u1 & x 0 a simple matt] aft] t to op5 a r heavy door t communicat$ betwe5 ! two suites & 0 n protect$ by a ,yale lock4 ,in/ead ( swit*+ on ! lights1 ,k5n$y fir/ look$ ab\t c>efully until he 0 assur$ t !re 0 no "o !re4 ,x seem$ to me to be an unnecess>y caution1 = we knew ,:itney 0 d[n-/airs & w\ld probably be !re a long "t4 ,b he seem$ to ?9k x necess>y4 ,positive t we 7 alone1 he made a ha/y survey ( ! rooms4 ,!n he seem$ to select z a />t+-po9t a table 9 "o corn] ( ! sitt+-room on :i* lay a humidor & a heavy metal box = cig>ettes4 ,quickly he spr9kl$ on ! floor1 f ! hall door to ! table on :i* ! case ( cig>ettes lay1 "s ( ! p[d] :i* ,i _h se5 him wrap up 9 ! laboratory be=e we left4 ,!n1 ) ! atomiz]1 he spray$ ov] x some?+ t _h a pung5t1 famili> od\r--walk+ backw>ds f ! hall door to ! table1 z he spray$4 ,don't y want m light8 ,i ask$1 />t+ to cross to a w9d[ to let ! moonlight /ream 94 ,don't walk on x1 ,walt]1 he :isp]$1 pu%+ me back4 ,no1 ,i don't ne$ any m light4 ,:at are y do+8 ,i ask$1 my/ifi$ at 8 actions4 ,fir/ ,i spr9kl$ "s p[d]$ iod9e on ! floor1 he repli$1 & !n spray$ ov] j en\gh ammonia to moi/5 x4 ,x w evaporate quickly1 leav+ :at ,i call my anti-burgl> p[d]4 ,i'm sure ,i w\ldn't be ?\ght "o ( ! frat]nity = ! _w1 ,i obs]v$1 /epp+ aside to give him all ! room he want$ 9 :i* to op]ate4 ,he _h f9i%$ 8 "w by ?is "t & n[ ! ev5+ w9d 0 bl[+ away ! slight fumes t _h aris54 ,= a few mom5ts he left our door into ,:itney's room op51 9 ord] to insure cle>+ away ! od\r4 ,!n he quietly clos$ x1 b did n lock x aga94 ,we wait$ a few m9utes1 !n ,craig lean$ ov] to me4 ,i wi% y'd g d[n & see h[ ne> ,:itney is ?r\gh d9n]1 he said4 ,if he is ?r\gh1 d some?+1 any?+ to keep him d[n !re4 ,only be z c>eful z y c n to be se5 by any "o :o kn[s u4 ,i rode d[n 9 an empty elevator & cauti\sly made my way to ! d9+-room4 ,:itney _h f9i%$ mu* soon] ?an ,i _h expect$ & 0 n !re4 ,mu* z ,i want$ n to be se51 ,i f\nd t x 0 necess>y to make a t\r ( ! hotel to f9d him & ,i did s1 wond]+ :at exp$i5t ,i w\ld adopt to keep him d[n !re if ,i f\nd him4 ,i did n h to adopt any1 h[ev]4 ,:itney 0 almo/ alone 9 ! writ+-room1 & a big pile ( lett]s beside him %[$ me t he w\ld be busy = "s "t4 ,i rode back to ! room to tell ,craig1 flatt]+ myself t ,i _h n be5 se54 ,good1 he exclaim$4 ,i don't ?9k we'll h to wait mu* long]1 if any?+ at all is go+ to happ54 ,9 ! d>kness we settl$ ourselves = ano!r vigil t 0 to la/ we knew n h[ long4 ,nei!r ( u spoke z we half cr\*$ 9 ! %ad[ ( our room1 li/5+4 ,sl[ly ! "t pass$4 ,w\ld any "o take advantage ( ! opportunity to tamp] ) ! box ( cig>ettes on ! table8 ,i fell to speculat+4 ,:o c\ld x possibly h be5 t _h conceiv$ ?is devili% plot8 ,:at 0 back ( x all8 ,i wond]$ :e!r x 7 possible t ,lockwood1 n[ t ,m5doza 0 out ( ! way1 c\ld desire to remove ,:itney1 ! sole rema9+ imp$im5t to possess+ ! :ole ( ! treasure z well z ,inez8 ,!n !re 7 ! ,s5ora & ,alfonso1 ! "o ) a deep race & family grievance1 ! o!r a reject$ suitor4 ,:at might n !y d ) "s weird ,s\? ,am]ican poison8 ,once or twice we he>d ! elevator door clang & wait$ expectantly1 b no?+ happ5$4 ,i began to wond] :e!r1 ev5 if "s "o _h a pass-key to ! suite1 we c\ld he> him ent] if he 0 quiet4 ,! outside hall 0 ?ickly c>pet$1 & dead5$ e footfall if "o ex]cis$ only reasonable c>e4 ,! rooms !mselves 7 mu* ! same4 ,don't y ?9k we might h ! door aj> a little8 ,i sugge/$ anxi\sly4 ,%6 0 ,k5n$y's only comm5t 9 ! negative4 ,i glanc$ n[ & !n at my wat* & by /ra9+ my eyes 0 surpris$ to see h[ e>ly x 0 yet4 ,! m9utes 7 surely lead5-foot$4 ,9 ! d>kness1 ,i fell aga9 to review+ ! weird succession ( ev5ts4 ,i am n by nature sup]/iti\s1 b 9 ! black sil5ce ,i c\ld well imag9e a />+ succession ( eyes1 beg9n+ ) ! dilat$ pupils ( ,:itney & pass+ on to ! corpse-l expression ( ,m5doza1 b always end+ ) ! rem>kable1 pi]c+1 black eyes ( ! ,indian woman ) ! melan*oly-visag$ son1 z !y _h impress$ me ! fir/ "t ,i saw !m &1 9 fact1 ev] s9ce4 ,0 x a freak ( my m9d1 or 0 !re "s reason = x8 ,sudd5ly ,i he>d 9 ! next room :at s\nd$ l a s]ies ( little explosions1 z ?\gh "s "o 7 tread+ on mat* heads4 ,my burgl> p[d] works1 mutt]$ ,craig to me 9 a ho>se :isp]4 ,e /ep1 ev5 ^? ( a m\se runn+ across1 sets x (f6 ,he rose quickly & ?rew op5 ! door into ,:itney's suite4 ,i sprang aft] him4 ,!re1 9 ! %ad[s1 ,i saw a d>k =m1 />t+ back 9 quick retreat4 ,b we 7 too late4 ,he 0 cat-l1 too quick = u4 ,9 ! dim light ( ! little explosions we c\ld cat* a glimpse ( ! p]son :o _h be5 craftily work+ ) ! dread drug to drive ,:itney & o!rs insane4 ,b ! face 0 mask$6 ,he bang$ %ut ! door aft] him & fl$ d[n ! hall1 mak+ a turn to a flight ( /eps4 ,we foll[$1 & at ! /eps paus$ a mom5t4 ,y g up1 ,walt]1 %\t$ ,k5n$y4 ,i'll g d[n4 ,x 0 fifte5 m9utes lat] be=e we met d[n/airs1 nei!r ( u ) a trace ( ! intrud]4 ,he seem$ to h vani%$ l smoke4 ,mu/ h _h a room1 l ourselves1 rem>k$ ,craig some:at *agr9$ at ! outcome ( 8 s*eme4 ,& if he 0 clev] en\gh to h a room1 he is clev] en\gh to h a disguise t w\ld fool ! elevator boys = a m9ute4 ,no1 he has gone4 ,b ,i'll wag] he won't try any m sub/itutions ( /ramonium-poison$ cig>ettes = a :ile4 ,x 0 too close to be com=table4 ,we 7 baffl$ aga91 & ?is "t by a my/]i\s mask$ man4 ,c\ld x be ! same :om we he>d ov] ! vocaphone address$ z ,doc8 ,p]haps x 01 b t gave u no h9t z to 8 id5tity4 ,he seem$ j z f> away z ev]4 ,we wait$ ar\nd ! elevators = "s "t1 b no?+ happ5$4 ,k5n$y ev5 s\ght out ! manag] ( ! hotel1 & aft] tell+ :o he 01 _h a se>* made ( ! gue/s :o might be suspect$4 ,! be/ we c\ld d 0 to leave ^w t ! employees might be put on ! look\t = any?+ ( a suspici\s nature4 ,:itney1 ! innoc5t cause ( all ?is commotion1 0 /ill 9 ! writ+-room ) 8 lett]s4 ,i ?9k ,i ought to tell him1 decid$ ,k5n$y z we pass$ d[n ! lobby4 ,he seem$ surpris$ to see u1 z we /roll$ up to 8 writ+ desk1 b pu%$ aside ! few lett]s :i* he _h n f9i%$ & ask$ u to sit d[n4 ,i don't "k :e!r y h notic$ x1 began ,craig1 b ,i wond] h[ y feel8 ,:itney _h expect$ some?+ else r ?an 8 heal? z ! subject ( a quiz4 ,pretty good n[1 he answ]$ be=e he knew x1 al?\gh ,i mu/ admit t = ! pa/ few days ,i h wond]$ :e!r ,i wasn't sl[+ up a bit--or r go+ too fa/4 ,w\ld y l to "k :y y feel t way8 ask$ ,craig4 ,:itney 0 n[ g5u9ely puzzl$4 ,x 0 p]fectly evid5t1 z x _h be5 all ! "t1 t he _h n ! slighte/ inkl+ ( :at 0 go+ on4 ,z ,craig briefly unfold$ :at we _h discov]$ & ! reason = x1 ,:itney wat*$ him agha/4 ,poison$ cig>ettes1 he repeat$ sl[ly4 ,well1 :o w\ld ev] h ?\ght x4 ,y c bet y\r la/ jitney ,i'll be c>eful :at ,i smoke 9 ! future1 if ,i h to smoke only orig9al packages4 ,& x 0 t1 p>tly1 t ail$ ,m5doza8 ,k5n$y nodd$4 ,don't take any piloc>p9e1 j because ,i told y t 0 :at ,i us$4 ,y h giv5 y\rself ! be/ prescription1 j n[4 ,be c>eful :at y smoke4 ,&1 don't get excit$ if y seem to be /epp+ on mat*es up !re 9 y\r room = a little :ile1 ei!r4 ,x's no?+4 ,:itney's only kn[n way ( ?ank+ anybody 0 to invite !m to adj\rn to ! cafe1 & accord+ly we />t$ across ! hall1 aft] he _h ga!r$ up 8 correspond5ce4 ,! in=mation _h made m "w t night impossible = him4 ,z we cross$ f ! writ+-room1 we saw ,alfonso de ,mo*e com+ 9 f ! /reet4 ,he saw u & came ov] to speak4 ,0 x a co9cid5ce1 or 0 x m]ely a bl9d8 ,0 he ! "o :o _h got away & n[ calculat$ to come back & ?r[ u (f gu>d8 ,:itney ask$ him :]e he _h be51 b he repli$ quickly t 8 "m _h n be5 feel+ v well aft] d9n] & _h gone to b$1 :ile he /roll$ out & _h dropp$ into a picture %[4 ,t1 ,i felt1 0 at lea/ clev]4 ,! intrud] _h be5 a man4 ,de ,mo*e excus$ himself1 & we cont9u$ our walk to ! cafe1 :]e ,:itney re/or$ 8 %att]$ peace ( m9d some:at4 ,:at's ! result ( y\r detective "w on ,norton8 v5tur$ ,k5n$y at la/1 see+ t ,:itney 0 9 a m expansive frame ( m9d1 & tak+ a *ance4 ,oh1 return$ ,:itney1 he's sc>$1 all "r4 ,:y1 he has be5 hang+ ar\nd ?is hotel--wat*+ me4 ,he ?9ks ,i don't "k x1 ,i suppose1 b ,i d4 ,k5n$y & ,i ex*ang$ glances4 ,b he's slipp]y1 w5t on ,:itney4 ,he kn[s t he is be+ %ad[$ & ! m5 tell me t !y lose him1 n[ & !n4 ,to tell ! tru? ,i don't tru/ mo/ ( ^! private detectives4 ,i ?9k _! little tissue pap] reports are half-fak$1 anyh[4 ,he seem$ to want to say no m on ! subject1 f :i* ,i took x t he _h discov]$ no?+ ( importance4 ,"o ?+1 ?\gh1 he recollect$1 aft] a mom5t4 ,he has be5 go+ to see ,inez ,m5doza1 !y tell me4 ,yes8 qu]i$ ,k5n$y4 ,conf\nd him4 ,he pretty ne>ly got ,lockwood 9 bad ) h]1 too1 said ,:itney1 !n lean+ ov] confid5tially add$1 ,say1 ,k5n$y1 hone/ly1 n[1 y don't believe t %oe-pr9t /uff1 d y8 ,i see no reason to d\bt x1 return$ ,k5n$y ) diplomatic firmness4 ,:y8 ,well1 cont9u$ ,:itney1 /ill confid5tial1 we hav5't got ! dagg]--t's all4 ,!re--,i nev] actually ass]t$ t be=e1 ?\gh ,i've giv5 e "o to und]/& t our plans are bas$ on some?+ m ?an hot-air4 ,we hav5't got x1 & we nev] _h x4 ,!n :o has x8 ask$ ,k5n$y col\rlessly4 ,:itney %ook 8 head4 ,i don't "k1 he said m]ely4 ,& ^! attacks on y--?is cig>ette bus9ess--h[ d y expla9 t1 ask$ ,craig1 if y hav5't ! dagg]8 ,jeal\sy1 pure jeal\sy1 repli$ ,:itney quickly4 ,!y are s afraid t we w f9d ! treasure4 ,t's my dope4 ,:o is afraid8 ,t's a s]i\s matt]1 he evad$4 ,i w\ldn't say any?+ t ,i c\ldn't back up 9 a case ( t k9d4 ,i'd get into tr\ble4 ,!re 0 no?+ to be ga9$ by prolong+ ! conv]sation & ,k5n$y made a move z ?\gh to g4 ,j give u a squ>e deal1 said ,:itney z we left4 ,t's all we want--a squ>e deal4 ,k5n$y & ,i walk$ out ( ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t & turn$ d[n ! block4 ,well1 h y f\nd out any?+ m8 ask$ a voice 9 ! %ad[ beside u4 ,we turn$4 ,x 0 ,norton4 ,i saw y talk+ to ,:itney 9 ! writ+-room1 he said1 ) a laugh1 !n 9 ! cafe1 & ,i saw ,alfonso come 94 ,he /ill has ^? %ad[s on me4 ,i w\ldn't be surpris$ if !re 0 "o ( !m ar\nd 9 a doorway1 n[4 ,no1 return$ ,k5n$y1 he didn't say any?+ t 0 important4 ,!y /ill say !y hav5't ! dagg]4 ,( c\rse1 said ,norton4 ,y'll wait ar\nd a little long]8 ask$ ,k5n$y z we came to a corn] & /opp$4 ,i ?9k s1 return$ ,norton4 ,i'll keep y po/$4 ,k5n$y & ,i walk$ on a bit4 ,i'm go+ ar\nd to see h[ ,burke1 ,o',connor's man1 is gett+ on wat*+ ! ,m5doza ap>tm5t1 ,walt]1 he said at l5g?4 ,!n ,i h two or ?ree o!r little outside matt]s to att5d to4 ,y look tir$4 ,:y don't y g home & take a re/8 ,i %an't be work+ 9 ! laboratory to-night1 ei!r4 ,i ?9k ,i w1 ,i agre$1 = ! /ra9 ( ! case 0 beg9n+ to tell on me4 ,,xx ,,! ,,pulmotor ,i w5t directly to our ap>tm5t aft] ,craig left me & = a little :ile sat up1 speculat+ on ! probabilities ( ! case4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e _h told u ( h] ance/or :o _h be5 intru/$ ) ! engrav$ dagg]1 ( h[ x _h be5 h&$ d[n1 ( ! dea? ( h] bro!r2 %e _h told u ( ! murd] ( ! ance/or ( ,inez ,m5doza1 ( ! curse ( ,mansi*e4 ,0 ?is1 aft] all1 b a re9c>nation ( ! bloody hi/ory ( ! ,gold ( ! ,gods8 ,!re 7 ! %oe-pr9ts 9 ! mummy case4 ,!y 7 ,lockwood's4 ,h[ ab\t !m8 ,0 he tell+ ! tru?8 ,n[ _h come ! poison$ cig>ettes4 ,all _h foll[$ ! ?reats3 ,,bew>e ,,! ,,curse ,,( ,,mansi*e ,,on ,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods4 ,sev]al times ,i _h be5 =c$ already to revise my !ories ( ! case4 ,at fir/ ,i _h felt t x po9t$ /raight t[>d ,lockwood4 ,b did x seem to d s n[8 ,suppose ,lockwood _h /ol5 ! dagg] f ! ,museum1 al?\gh he d5i$ ev5 t4 ,did t mean1 necess>ily t he committ$ ! murd] ) x1 t he n[ _h x8 ,might he n h lo/ x8 ,might n "s "o else--! ,s5ora1 or ,alfonso1 or bo?--h obta9$ x8 ,might n ,m5doza h be5 murd]$ ) x by "s o!r h& to obta9 or to hide ! secret on its bloody blade8 ,i w5t to b$1 /ill ?9k+1 no ne>] a conclusion ?an be=e1 prep>$ to dream ov] x4 ,t is ! la/ ,i rememb]4 ,:5 ,i rega9$ consci\sness1 ,i 0 ly+ on ! b$ /ill1 b ,craig 0 b5d+ ov] me4 ,he _h j tak5 a rubb] cap (f my face1 to :i* 0 atta*$ a rubb] tube t ran to a box p]haps z l>ge z a suitcase1 conta9+ a pump ( "s k9d4 ,i 0 too weak to notice ^! ?+s "r away1 too weak to c>e mu* ab\t !m1 or ab\t any?+ else4 ,are y all "r n[1 old man8 he ask$1 b5d+ ov] me4 ,y-,yes1 ,i gasp$1 clut*+ at ! *ok+ s5sation 9 my ?roat4 ,:at has happ5$8 ,p]haps ,i _h be/ tell x z ?\gh ,i 7 n ! *ief actor2 = x came to me 9 su* disjo9t$ fragm5t>y =m1 t x 0 "s "t be=e ,i c\ld piece x toge!r4 ,craig _h se5 ,burke1 & _h f\nd t ev]y?+ 0 all "r4 ,!n he _h made ! few little inve/igations t he int5d$4 ,b he _h n be5 to ! laboratory4 ,!re _h be5 no light !re t night4 ,at la/ :5 he arriv$ home1 he _h f\nd a peculi> od\r 9 ! hall1 b _h ?\ght no?+ ( x1 until he op5$ our door4 ,!n !re ru%$ out su* a bur/ ( x t he _h to retreat1 almo/ fa9t+1 *ok+ & gasp+ = brea?4 ,8 fir/ ?\ght 0 = me2 & protect+ himself z be/ he c\ld he /ruggl$ ?r\gh to my room1 to f9d me ly+ on ! b$1 motionless1 almo/ cold4 ,he 0 by ?is "t too weak to c>ry me4 ,b he manag$ to rea* ! w9d[ & ?r[ x wide op54 ,z ! draught cle>$ ! air1 he ?\ght ( ! telephone & ) b>ely /r5g? en\gh left call$ up "o ( ! gas companies & _h a pulmotor s5t ov]4 ,n[ t ! dang] 0 pa/ = me1 & he felt all "r1 8 active m9d began at once on ! recon/ruction ( :at _h happ5$4 ,:at 0 x--man or devil8 ,c\ld a human fly h scal$ ! walls1 or an a]oplane h dropp$ an intrud] at ! w9d[ l$ge8 ,! lock on ! door did n seem to h be5 tamp]$ )4 ,nor 0 !re any way by :i* entrance c\ld h be5 ga9$ f a fire escape4 ,x 0 n illum9at+ gas4 ,e "o agre$ on t4 ,no1 x 0 n an accid5t4 ,x 0 an attempt at murd]4 ,"s "o 0 gett+ close to u4 ,e o!r weapon fail+1 ?is 0 desp]ation4 ,i _h be5 made com=table1 & he 0 engag$ 9 "o ( 8 *>act]i/ic se>*es1 ) m ?an ord9>y eag]ness1 because ?is 0 8 own ap>tm5t1 & x 0 ,i :o _h be5 ! victim4 ,i foll[$ him languidly z he w5t ov] ev]y?+1 ! furniture1 ! walls1 ! w9d[s1 ! c>pets--!re look+ = f+]-pr9ts1 !re = "s trace ( ! poison\s gas t _h fill$ ! room4 ,b he did n h ! air ( "o :o 0 f9d+ any?+4 ,i 0 too tir$ to reason4 ,?is 0 b ano!r ( ! baffl+ my/]ies t confront$ u4 ,a l[ exclamation caus$ me to op5 my eyes & try to discov] :at 0 ! cause4 ,he 0 b5d+ ov] ! lock ( ! door look+ at x int5tly4 ,brok58 ,i manag$ to say4 ,no--corrod$1 he repli$4 ,y keep /ill4 ,save y\r en]gy4 ,i've got /r5g? en\gh = two1 = a :ile4 ,he came ov] to ! b$ & b5t ov] me4 ,i won't hurt y1 he enc\rag$1 b j let me get a drop ( y\r blood4 ,he took a ne$le & ran x g5tly into my ?umb beside ! nail4 ,a drop or two ( blood ooz$ out & he soak$ x up ) a piece ( /]ile gauze4 ,try to sleep1 he said f9ally4 ,& y8 ,i ask$4 ,x's no use4 ,i'm go+ ov] to ! laboratory4 ,i c't sleep4 ,!re's a cop d[n 9 front ( ! h\se4 ,y're safe en\gh4 ,by ,george1 if ?is case goes mu* fur!r we'll h half ! =ce /&+ gu>d4 ,"h--dr9k t4 ,i _h made up my m9d n to g to sleep1 if he w\ldn't1 b ,i slipp$ up :5 ,i obey$ him t "t4 ,i ?\ght x 0 a /imulant b x turn$ out to be a s$ative4 ,i did n wake up until well along 9 ! morn+1 b :5 ,i did ,i 0 surpris$ to f9d myself s well4 ,be=e any "o c\ld /op me1 ,i 0 dress$ & _h rea*$ ! door4 ,a fri5d ( ours :o _h volunte]$ to /ay ) me 0 doz+ on a c\* z ,i came out4 ,too late1 ,johnson1 ,i call$1 try+ h>d to be gay1 ?\gh ,i felt any?+ b l x4 ,?ank y1 old man1 = /ay+ ) me4 ,b ,i'm afraid to /op4 ,y're /rong] ?an ,i am ?is morn+--& besides y c run fa/]4 ,i'm afraid y'll drag me back4 ,he did try to d x1 b ) a great ef=t ( w-p[] ,i p]suad$ him to let me g4 ,out 9 ! op5 air1 too1 x seem$ to d me good4 ,! policeman :o _h be5 /ation$ be=e ! h\se gaz$ at me z ?\gh he saw a gho/1 !n gr9n$ enc\rag+ly4 ,/ill1 ,i 0 glad t ! laboratory 0 only a few blocks away1 = ,i 0 all 9 by ! "t ,i got !re1 & hadn't ev5 en]gy en\gh to reply to ,k5n$y's scold+4 ,he 0 work+ ov] a microscope1 :ile by 8 side /ood 9 racks1 innum]able te/-tubes ( v>i\s liquids4 ,on ! table be=e him lay ! lock ( our door :i* he _h cut out aft] he gave me ! sleep+ draught4 ,:at 0 x8 ,i ask$4 ,i feel z if ,i _h be5 on a bu/1 )\t ! recollection ( a ?+4 ,he %ook 8 head z if to disc\rage conv]sation1 )\t tak+ 8 eyes (f ! microscope ?r\gh :i* he 0 squ9t+4 ,8 lips 7 mov+ z if he 7 c\nt+4 ,i wait$ 9 impati5t sil5ce until he seem$ to h f9i%$4 ,!n1 /ill )\t a ^w1 he took up a te/-tube & dropp$ into x a little liquid f a bottle on a %elf above ! table4 ,8 face light$ up1 & he reg>d$ ! reaction att5tively = "s "t4 ,!n he turn$ to me1 /ill hold+ ! tube4 ,y h be5 on a bu/1 he said ) a smile z if ! rem>k ( a few m9utes be=e 7 /ill fre%4 ,only x 0 a laugh+ gas jag--nitr\s oxide4 ,nitr\s oxide8 ,i repeat$4 ,h[--:at d y mean8 ,i mean simply t a te/ ( y\r blood %[s t y 7 poison$ by nitr\s oxide gas4 ,y rememb] ! sample ( blood :i* ,i squeez$ f y\r ?umb8 ,i took x because ,i knew t a gas--& x has prov$ to be nitr\s oxide--is absorb$ ?r\gh ! lungs into ! circulation & its pres5ce c be told = a consid]able p]iod aft] adm9i/ration4 ,he paus$ a mom5t1 !n w5t on3 ,to be specific 9 ?is case ,i f\nd by microscopic exam9ation t ! numb] ( corpuscles 9 y\r blood 0 va/ly above ! normal1 some?+ l betwe5 sev5 & eight million to a drop t %\ld h _h some:at m ?an only half t numb]4 ,y 7 poison$ by gas t-- ,yes1 ,i int]rupt$1 b h[1 ) all ! doors lock$8 ,i 0 com+ to t1 he said quietly1 pick+ up ! lock & look+ at x ?\ghtfully4 ,he _h already plac$ x 9 a porcela9 bas91 & 9 ?is bas9 he _h p\r$ "s liquids4 ,!n he pass$ ! liquids ?r\gh a f9e scre5 & at la/ took up a tube conta9+ "s ( ! result+ liquid4 ,i h already satisfi$ myself1 he expla9$1 b = y\r b5efit1 see+ t y're ! *ief suff]]1 ,i'll run ov] a "p ( ! te/4 ,y saw ! reaction :i* %[$ ! gas a mom5t ago4 ,i h prov$ *emically z well z microscopically t x is pres5t 9 y\r blood4 ,n[ if ,i take ?is te/-tube ( liquid d]iv$ f my treatm5t ( ! lock & !n te/ x z y saw me d ) ! o!r1 isn't t en\gh = y8 ,see--x gives ! same reaction4 ,x did1 inde$1 b my m9d did n react ) x4 ,nitr\s oxide1 he cont9u$1 9 contact ) iron1 leaves di/9ct traces ( corrosion1 disc]nible by *emical & microscopic te/s q z well z ! m>ks x leaves 9 ! human blood4 ,manife/ly1 if no "o c\ld h come 9 by ! w9d[s or doors1 ! gas mu/ h be5 adm9i/]$ 9 "s way )\t any "o com+ into ! room4 ,i f\nd no traces ( an intrud]4 ,x 0 a t\gh "o4 ,nev] mu* good at answ]+ 8 conundrums :5 ,i 0 well1 ,i c\ld n ev5 make a guess n[4 ,! key-hole1 ( c\rse6 he expla9$4 ,i cut away ! entire lock1 & h submitt$ x to ^! te/s :i* y see4 ,i don't see x all yet1 ,i said4 ,"s "o came to our door 9 ! night1 aft] ga9+ entrance to ! hall--n a difficult ?+ to d1 we "k4 ,t p]son f\nd our door lock$1 knew x w\ld be lock$1 knew t ,i always lock$ x4 ,kn[+ t su* 0 ! case1 ?is p]son came prep>$1 br++ p]haps1 a tank ( compress$ nitr\s oxide1 c]ta9ly ! mat]ials = mak+ ! gas exp$iti\sly4 ,i began to und]/& h[ x _h be5 done4 ,?r\gh ! keyhole1 he resum$1 a /ream ( ! gas 0 inject$4 ,x soon r5d]$ y unconsci\s1 & t w\ld h be5 all1 if ! p]son _h be5 satisfi$4 ,a little bit w\ld h be5 h>mless en\gh4 ,b ! p]son 0 n satisfi$4 ,! int5tion 0 n to ov]come1 b to kill4 ,! /ream ( gas 0 kept up until ! room 0 full ( x4 ,only my return sav$ y1 = ! gas 0 escap+ v sl[ly4 ,ev5 !n1 y _h be5 "u x s long t we _h to resort to ! wond]ful little pulmotor aft] try+ bo? ! ,sylve/] & ,s*aef] me?ods & all o!r manual means to induce respiration4 ,at any rate we manag$ to undo ! "w ( ?is fi5d4 ,i look$ at him 9 surprise1 ,i1 :o didn't ?9k ,i _h an enemy 9 ! _w4 ,b :o c\ld x h be58 ,i ask$4 ,we are pretty close to t crim9al1 0 ! only reply he w\ld give1 provid+ we d n spread ! net 9 sight ( ! qu>ry4 ,:y %\ld he h want$ to get me8 ,i repeat$4 ,don't flatt] y\rself1 repli$ ,craig4 ,he want$ me1 too4 ,!re wasn't any light 9 ! laboratory la/ night4 ,!re 0 a light 9 our ap>tm5t4 ,:at m natural ?an to ?9k t we 7 bo? !re8 ,y 7 caught 9 ! trap int5d$ = bo? ( u4 ,i look$ at him1 />tl$4 ,surely ?is 0 a mo/ desp]ate crim9al4 ,to cov] up "o murd]--p]haps two--he did n hesitate to attempt a ?ird1 a d\ble murd]4 ,! attack _h be5 really aim$ at ,k5n$y4 ,x _h /ruck me alone4 ,b x _h misc>ri$ & ,craig _h sav$ my life4 ,z ,i reflect$ bitt]ly1 ,i _h b "o satisfaction4 ,wret*$ z ,i felt1 ,i knew t x _h sp>$ ,craig f sl[+ up on ! case at j ! "t :5 he 0 ne$$4 ,! news ( ! attempt spread quickly1 = x 0 a police case & got into ! pap]s4 ,x 0 n half an h\r aft] ,i rea*$ ! laboratory t ! door 0 pu%$ op5 by ,inez ,m5doza1 foll[$ by a boy spill+ ) fruit & fl[]s l a cornucopia4 ,i drove to ! ap>tm5t1 %e cri$1 greatly excit$ & sympa!tic1 b !y told me y _h gone out4 ,oh1 ,i 0 glad to he> x4 ,!n ,i knew x wasn't s s]i\s4 ,=1 someh[1 ,i feel guilty ab\t x4 ,x nev] w\ld h happ5$ if y hadn't met me4 ,i'm sure x's wor? m ?an x co/1 ,i repli$ gallantly4 ,%e turn$ t[>d ,k5n$y4 ,i'm positively fright5$1 %e exclaim$4 ,fir/ !y direct _! attacks aga9/ my fa!r--!n aga9/ me--n[ aga9/ y4 ,:at w x be next8 ,oh--x is t curse--x is t curse6 ,nev] fe>1 enc\rag$ ,k5n$y1 we'll get y out--we'll get all ( u out1 n[1 ,i %\ld say4 ,x's j because !y are s desp]ate t we h ^! ?+s4 ,z long z !re is no?+ to fe> a crim9al w lie l[4 ,:5 he gets sc>$ he does ?+s4 ,& x's :5 he does ?+s t he beg9s to betray himself4 ,%e %udd]$4 ,i feel z ?\gh ,i 0 surr\nd$ by enemies1 %e murmur$4 ,x is z if an unse5 evil p[] 0 wat*+ ov] me all ! "t--& mock+ me--/rik+ d[n ^? ,i love & tru/4 ,:]e w x end8 ,k5n$y tri$ 8 be/ to soo! h]1 b x 0 evid5t t ! attack on u c\ld n h _h m effect1 if x _h be5 levell$ direct at h]4 ,please1 ,s5orita1 he plead$1 /& firm4 ,we are go+ to w94 ,don't give 94 ,! ,m5dozas are n ! k9d to /op defeat$4 ,%e look$ at him1 h] eyes fill$ ) te>s4 ,x 0 my fa!r's way1 %e *ok$ back h] emotion4 ,h[ c\ld y1 a /rang]1 "k8 ,i didn't "k1 return$ ,k5n$y4 ,i ga!r$ x f 8 face4 ,x is also 8 daught]'s way4 ,yes1 %e said1 /raight5+ up & ! fire fla%+ f h] eyes1 we are a pr\d1 old1 unb5d+ race4 ,good-bye4 ,i mu/ n int]rupt y\r "w any long]4 ,we are also a race t nev] =gets a fri5d4 ,a mom5t lat] %e 0 gone4 ,a wond]ful woman1 repeat$ ,k5n$y abs5tly4 ,!n he turn$ aga9 to 8 table ( *emicals4 ,! telephone _h begun to t9kle almo/ cont9u\sly by ?is "t1 z "o aft] ano!r ( our fri5ds call$ u up to "k h[ we 7 gett+ on & be assur$ ( our safety4 ,9 fact ,i didn't "k t x 0 possible to resuscitate s _m ( !m ) a pulmotor4 ,by ,george1 ,i'm glad x wasn't any m s]i\s1 came ,norton's voice f ! doorway a mom5t lat]4 ,i didn't see a pap] ?is morn+4 ,! curator ( ! ,museum j told me4 ,h[ did x happ58 ,k5n$y tri$ to pass x (f lightly1 & ,i did ! same1 = z ,i 0 up long] ,i really did feel bett]4 ,norton %ook 8 head gravely1 h[ev]4 ,no1 he said1 !re 7 f\r ( u got w>n+s4 ,!y are a desp]ate1 rev5geful p4 ,i look$ at him quickly4 ,did he mean ! de ,mo*es8 ,,xxi ,,! ,,telescribe ,i decid$ t discretion 0 ! bett] "p ( val\r & t ,i _h bett] g sl[ t day & rega9 my /r5g?1 a =tunate decision1 z x turn$ out4 ,k5n$y1 also1 sp5t mo/ ( ! "t 9 ! laboratory1 s t1 aft] all1 ,i did n feel t ,i 0 miss+ v mu*4 ,x 0 along 9 ! aft]noon t ! telephone began act+ /rangely1 z x w d sometimes :5 a long di/ance connection is be+ made4 ,twice ,k5n$y answ]$1 )\t gett+ any response4 ,conf\nd t c5tral1 he mutt]$4 ,:at d y suppose is ! matt]8 ,aga9 ! bell rang4 ,hello1 %\t$ ,k5n$y1 exasp]at$4 ,:o's ?is8 ,!re 0 a pause4 ,j a m9ute1 he repli$4 ,quickly he jamm$ ! receiv] d[n on a little metal base :i* he _h plac$ ne> ! in/rum5t4 ,?ree prongs rea*+ upw>d f ! base engag$ ! receiv] tightly1 fitt+ closely ab\t x4 ,!n he took up a wat*-case receiv] to li/5 ?r\gh 9 place ( ! regul> receiv]4 ,:o is x8 he answ]$4 ,app>5tly ! voice at ! o!r end ( ! wire repli$ r peevi%ly1 = ,k5n$y endeav\r$ to smoo? ov] ! delay4 ,i wond]$ :at 0 go+ on1 :y he 0 s c>eful4 ,8 face %[$ t1 :atev] x 01 x 0 mo/ important4 ,z he re/or$ ! telephone to its normal condition1 he look$ at me puzzl$4 ,i wond] :e!r t 0 a frame-up6 he exclaim$1 pull+ a little cyl9d] (f ! in/rum5t into :i* he _h ins]t$ ! telephone receiv]4 ,i ?\ght x might be & ,i h pres]v$ ! voice4 ,?is is :at is kn[n z ! telescribe--a rec5t inv5tion ( ,edison :i* records on a specially prep>$ phonograph cyl9d] all t is said--bo? ways--ov] a telephone wire4 ,:at 0 x ab\t8 ,i ask$ eag]ly4 ,he %ov$ ! cyl9d] on a phonograph & />t$ ! in/rum5t4 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y8 call$ an unfamili> voice4 ,yes1 answ]$ a voice t ,i recogniz$ z ,craig's4 ,?is is ! detective ag5cy employ$ by ,mr4 ,:itney4 ,he has in/ruct$ u to in=m y t he has obta9$ ! ,p]uvian dagg] = :i* y h be5 se>*+4 ,t's all4 ,good-bye4 ,i look$ at ,k5n$y 9 blank surprise4 ,!y rang (f be=e ,i c\ld ask !m a "q1 said ,craig4 ,c5tral tells me x 0 a pay /ation call4 ,!re doesn't seem to be any way ( trac+ x4 ,b1 at lea/ ,i h a record ( ! voice4 ,:at are y go+ to d8 ,i qu]i$4 ,x may be a fake4 ,yes1 b ,i'm go+ to inve/igate x4 ,d y feel /rong en\gh to g d[n to ,:itney's ) me8 ,! />tl+ news _h be5 l a tonic4 ,( c\rse1 ,i repli$1 seiz+ my hat4 ,k5n$y paus$ only long en\gh to call ,norton4 ,! ar*aeologi/ 0 out1 & we hurri$ on d[nt[n to ,:itney's4 ,:itney 0 n !re & 8 cl]k 0 j ab\t to close ! (fice4 ,all ! books 7 put away 9 ! safe & ! desks 7 clos$4 ,n[ & !n !re e*o$ up ! hall ! clang ( an elevator door4 ,:]e is ,mr4 ,:itney8 dem&$ ,craig ( ! cl]k4 ,i c't say4 ,he w5t out a c\ple ( h\rs ago4 ,did he h a visit f "o ( 8 detectives8 %ot out ,craig sudd5ly4 ,! cl]k look$ up suspici\sly at u4 ,no1 he repli$ defiantly4 ,walt]--/& by t door1 %\t$ ,craig4 ,let no "o 9 until !y break x d[n4 ,8 blue-/eel automatic gleam$ a cold m5ace at ! cl]k4 ,a d[nt[n (fice aft] (fice h\rs is n exactly ! place to :i* "o c get assi/ance quickly4 ,! cl]k />t$ back4 ,did he h a visit f "o ( 8 detectives8 ,yes4 ,:at 0 x ab\t8 ,! cl]k w9c$4 ,i don't "k1 he repli$1 hone/--,i don't4 ,craig wav$ ! gun = emphasis4 ,op5 ! safe1 he said4 ,reluctantly ! cl]k obey$4 ,"u ! po9t ( ! gun he se>*$ e comp>tm5t & draw] ( ! big *rome /eel /rong-box :i* ,:itney _h po9t$ out z ! safe/ place = ! dagg] on our fir/ visit to him4 ,b !re 0 absolutely no trace ( x4 ,_h we be5 hoax$ & 0 all ?is risk 9 va98 ,:]e did ,mr4 ,:itney g8 dem&$ ,craig1 z he direct$ ! cl]k to %ut ! door & lock ! safe aga91 baffl$4 ,if ,i %\ld try to tell y1 return$ ! man1 v mu* fright5$1 ,i w\ld be ly+4 ,y w\ld soon f9d out4 ,mr4 ,:itney doesn't make a confidant ( me1 y "k4 ,x 0 useless4 ,if he _h ! dagg]1 at lea/ we knew t x 0 n at ! (fice4 ,we _h le>n$ only "o ?+4 ,he _h _h a visit f "o ( 8 detectives4 ,z fa/ z ! upt[n tr5d ( automobiles & surface c>s dur+ ! ru% h\r w\ld p]mit1 ,k5n$y & ,i hurri$ 9 a taxicab to ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t 9 ! hope ( surpris+ him !re4 ,x's no use to inquire = him1 decid$ ,craig z we ent]$ ! hotel4 ,i /ill h ! key to t room1 #hbg1 next to 84 ,we'll ride "r up 9 ! elevator boldly & get 94 ,no "o said any?+ to u1 z we let ourselves into ! room next to ,:itney's4 ,a new lock _h be5 plac$ on ! door betwe5 ! suites1 b1 aside f ! additional "t x took to =ce x1 x pres5t$ no great difficulty4 ,he w\ldn't leave ! dagg] "h1 ( c\rse1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 z at la/ we /epp$ into ,:itney's suite4 ,b we may z well satisfy ourselves4 ,hello--:at's ?is8 ,! room 0 all upset1 z ?\gh "s "o _h already gone ?r\gh x4 ,= a mom5t ,i ?\ght we _h be5 =e/all$4 ,pack$ a grip ha/ily1 ,craig rem>k$1 po9t+ to ! m>ks on ! b$spread :]e x _h re/$ :ile he mu/ lit]ally h ?r[n ?+s into x4 ,we made a ha/y se>* ourselves1 b we knew x 0 hopeless4 ,two ?+s we _h le>n$4 ,:itney _h _h a visit f 8 detectives1 & he _h gone away hurri$ly4 ,an anonym\s telephone message _h be5 s5t to ,k5n$y4 ,_h x be5 = ! purpose ( ?r[+ u (f ! track8 ,! room telephone rang4 ,quickly ,craig jump$ to x & took d[n ! receiv]4 ,hello1 he call$4 ,yes1 ?is is ,mr4 ,:itney4 ,a sil5ce ensu$ dur+ :i*1 ( c\rse1 ,i c\ld n ga!r any idea ( :at 0 go+ on ov] ! wire4 ,! deuce6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 work+ ! hook up & d[n b receiv+ no response4 ,! fell[ caught on4 ,some?+ mu/ h happ5$ to ,norton1 too4 ,h['s t8 ,i ask$4 ,:y1 he repli$1 "s "o j call$ up ,:itney & said t ,norton _h got away f him4 ,p]haps !y're try+ to keep him out ( ! way j z !y are ) u1 ,i sugge/$4 ,i ?9k ! ?+ is a plant4 ,d[n ! hall1 ,k5n$y /opp$ & tapp$ lightly at ! door ( #haj1 ! de ,mo*e suite4 ,i ?9k he 0 surpris$ :5 ! ,s5ora's maid op5$ x4 ,tell ,s5ora de ,mo*e x is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 he said quickly1 & t ,i mu/ see h]4 ,! maid admitt$ u into ! sitt+-room :]e we _h _h our fir/ int]view ) h] & a mom5t lat] %e appe>$4 ,%e 0 evid5tly n dress$ = d9n]1 al?\gh x 0 almo/ "t1 & ,i saw ,k5n$y's eye travel f h] to a *air 9 ! corn] ov] :i* 0 drap$ a l95 automobile coat & a heavy veil4 ,_h %e be5 prep>+ to g some:]e1 too8 ,! door to ,alfonso's room 0 op5 & he cle>ly 0 n !re4 ,:at did x all mean8 ,h y he>d any?+ ( a report t ! dagg] has be5 f\nd8 dem&$ ,k5n$y abruptly4 ,:y--no1 %e repli$1 greatly surpris$1 app>5tly4 ,y 7 go+ out8 ask$ ,k5n$y ) a significant glance at ! coat & veil4 ,only = a little ride ) ,alfonso1 :o has gone to hire a c>1 %e answ]$ quickly4 ,i felt sure t %e _h he>d some?+ ab\t ! dagg]4 ,we _h no fur!r excuse = /ay+ & on ! way out1 n[ t he _h satisfi$ himself t ,:itney 0 n !re1 ,craig inquir$ at ! (fice = him4 ,!y c\ld tell u no?+ ( 8 :]eab\ts1 except t he _h left 9 8 c> late 9 ! aft]noon 9 a great hurry4 ,k5n$y /epp$ into a telephone boo? & call$ up ,lockwood1 b no "o answ]$4 ,inquiry 9 ! g>ages 9 ! neighb\rhood f9ally locat$ t at :i* ,lockwood kept 8 c>4 ,!re1 all t !y c\ld tell u 0 t ! c> _h be5 fill$ ) gas & oil z if = a trip4 ,lockwood 0 gone1 too4 ,k5n$y ha/ily ord]$ a t\r+ c> himself & plac$ x at a corn] ( ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t :]e he c\ld wat* two ( ! entrances1 :ile ,i wait$ on ! next corn] :]e ,i c\ld see ! entrance on ! o!r /reet4 ,= "s "t we wait$ & /ill %e did n come out4 ,_h %e telephon$ to ,alfonso & _h he gone alone8 ,p]haps %e _h already be5 out & _h tak5 ?is me?od ( deta9+ u1 kn[+ t we w\ld wait to wat* h]4 ,x mu/ h be5 a mixture ( bo? motives1 = at l5g? ,i 0 rew>d$ by see+ h] come cauti\sly out ( ! re> entrance ( ! hotel alone & />t to walk hurri$ly up ! /reet4 ,i signall$ to ,craig :o %ot d[n & pick$ me up4 ,by ?is "t ! ,s5ora _h rea*$ a public cab /& & _h engag$ a hack4 ,s9k+ back 9 ! %ad[s ( ! top1 :i* 0 up1 ,craig direct$ our driv] to foll[ ! hack cauti\sly1 keep+ a c\ple ( blocks beh9d4 ,!re 0 "s satisfaction1 ?\gh slight1 9 x1 at lea/4 ,we felt ! possibility ( ! trail lead+ some:]e1 n[4 ,on upt[n ! hack w5t1 :ile we kept discreetly 9 ! re>4 ,we _h rea*$ a "p ( ! city :]e x 0 sp>sely populat$1 :5 ! hack sudd5ly turn$ & d\bl$ back on u4 ,!re 0 n "t = u to turn & we tru/$ t by %r9k+ back 9 ! %ad[ we might n be obs]v$4 ,z ! hack pass$ u1 h[ev]1 ! ,s5ora lean$ out until x 0 p]fectly evid5t t %e mu/ recognize u4 ,%e said no?+ b ,i fanci$ ,i saw a smile ( satisfaction z %e settl$ back into ! cu%ions4 ,%e 0 delib]ately go+ back along ! v road by :i* %e _h l$ u out4 ,x _h be5 an elaborate means ( wa/+ our "t4 ,%e did n h ! satisfaction1 h[ev]1 ( %ak+ u (f1 = we foll[$ all ! way back to ! hotel & saw h] g 94 ,!n ,k5n$y plac$ ! c> :]e we _h x be=e & left ! driv] ) in/ructions to foll[ h] reg>dless ( "t if %e %\ld come out aga94 ,surely1 ,i reason$1 !re mu/ be some?+ v que] go+ on1 if !y 7 all 9 x to elim9ate u & ,norton4 ,:at _h happ5$ to him8 ,k5n$y ha/5$ back to ! campus1 late z x 01 !re to />t anew4 ,norton 0 n 9 8 qu>t]s &1 on ! *ance t he might h s\ght to elude ,:itney's detectives by do+ ! unexpect$ & go+ to ! ,museum1 ,k5n$y walk$ ov] t way4 ,!re 0 no?+ to indicate t anybody _h be5 at ! ,museum1 b1 z we pass$ our laboratory1 we c\ld he> ! telephone r++ inside1 z ?\gh "s "o _h be5 try+ to get u = a long "t4 ,k5n$y op5$ ! door & swit*$ on ! lights4 ,wait+ only long en\gh to jam ! receiv] d[n into place on ! telescribe1 he answ]$ ! call4 ,! deuce y w6 ,i he>d him exclaim1 !n app>5tly :oev] 0 talk+ rang (f & he c\ld n get !m back4 ,ano!r ( ^? conf\nd$ telephone messages1 he said1 turn+ to me & tak+ ! cyl9d] (f4 ,x looks z ?\gh ! ready-lett] writ] :o us$ to s5d w>n+s _h le>n$ 8 lesson & tak5 to ! telephone z leav+ few] clues ?an h&writ+4 ,he plac$ ! record on ! phonograph s t ,i c\ld he> x4 ,x 0 brief & to ! po9t1 z _h be5 ! fir/4 ,hello1 is t y1 ,k5n$y8 ,we've got ,norton4 ,next we'll get y4 ,good-bye4 ,k5n$y repeat$ ! fir/ message4 ,x 0 evid5t t bo? _h be5 spok5 by ! same voice4 ,^: is x8 ,i ask$ blankly4 ,:at does x mean8 ,be=e ,craig c\ld answ] !re 0 a knock at our door & he sprang to op5 x4 ,,xxii ,,! ,,vani%] ,x 0 ,juanita1 ,inez ,m5doza's maid1 frantic & almo/ spee*less4 ,:y1 ,juanita1 enc\rag$ ,k5n$y1 :at's ! matt]8 ,! ,s5orita6 %e gasp$1 break+ d[n n[ & sobb+ ov] & ov] aga94 ,! ,s5orita6 ,yes1 yes1 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 b :at ab\t h]8 ,is !re any?+ wrong8 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 sobb$ ! poor girl1 ,i don't "k4 ,%e is gone4 ,i h _h no ^w f h] s9ce ?is aft]noon4 ,gone6 we exclaim$ toge!r4 ,:]e 0 ,burke--t man t ! police s5t up to protect h]8 ,he is gone1 too--n[1 repli$ ,juanita 9 h] be/ ,engli%1 sadly brok5 by ! excitem5t4 ,k5n$y & ,i look$ at ea* o!r agha/4 ,?is 0 ! h>de/ bl[ ( all4 ,we _h ?\ght t1 at lea/1 ,inez w\ld be safe ) a man l ,burke1 :om we c\ld tru/1 detail$ to wat* h]4 ,tell me1 urg$ ,k5n$y1 h[ did x happ58 ,did !y c>ry h] (f--z !y tri$ to d ! o!r "t8 ,no1 no1 sobb$ ,juanita4 ,i d n "k4 ,i d n "k ev5 :e!r %e is gone4 ,%e w5t out ?is aft]noon = a little walk4 ,b %e did n come back4 ,aft] x grew d>k1 ,i 0 fright5$4 ,i rememb]$ t y 7 "h & call$ up1 b y 7 out4 ,!n ,i saw t policeman4 ,i told him4 ,he has o!rs work+ ) him n[4 ,b ,i c\ld n f9d y--until n[ ,i saw a light "h4 ,oh1 my poor1 little girl1 :at has become ( h]8 ,:]e h !y tak5 h]8 ,oh1 ,,madre ,,de ,,dios1 x is t]rible6 ,_h t be5 ! purpose = :i* we _h be5 s5t on wild-goose *ases8 ,0 ,inez really kidnapp$ ?is "t8 ,i knew n :at to ?9k4 ,x seem$ h>dly possible t all ( !m c\ld h jo9$ 9 x4 ,if %e 7 kidnapp$1 x mu/ h be5 on ! /reet 9 broad daylight4 ,su* ?+s _h happ5$4 ,x w\ld n be ! fir/ disappe>ance ( ! k9d4 ,quickly ,k5n$y call$ up ,deputy ,o',connor4 ,x 0 only too true4 ,burke _h report$ t %e _h disappe>$ & ! police1 especially ^? at ! /ations & f]ries & 9 ! suburbs _h be5 notifi$ to look = h]4 ,all ?is seem$ to h tak5 place 9 ^? h\rs :5 ! my/]i\s telephone calls _h s5t u on ! wrong trail4 ,k5n$y said no?+1 b ,i c\ld see t he 0 do+ "s ke5 ?9k+4 ,j !n ! telephone rang aga94 ,x 0 f ! man :om we _h left at ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e _h gone out & driv5 rapidly to ! ,gr& ,c5tral4 ,he _h n be5 able to f9d out :at ticket %e b\ght1 b ! tra9 0 j leav+4 ,k5n$y pac$ up & d[n1 mutt]+ to himself4 ,:itney fir/--!n ,lockwood--& ,alfonso4 ,! ,s5ora takes a tra94 ,suppose ! fir/ message 7 true8 ,gas & oil = a trip4 ,he seiz$ ! telephone book & ha/ily turn$ ! pages ov]4 ,at la/ 8 f+] re/$ on a "n 9 ! suburban section4 ,i read3 ,:itney1 ,/u>t4 ,res4 #agd-;,j ,rockl$ge4 ,quickly he gave c5tral ! numb]1 !n %ov$ ! receiv] aga9 into ! telescribe4 ,hello1 is ,mr4 ,:itney !re8 ,i he>d lat] z he plac$ ! record aga9 9 ! phonograph = repetition4 ,no--:o is ?is8 ,8 head cl]k4 ,tell him ,i mu/ see him4 ,k5n$y has be5 to ! (fice &-- ,say--get (f ! l9e4 ,we _h t /ory once4 ,t's x6 exclaim$ ,craig4 ,don't y see--!y've all gone up to ,:itney's c\ntry place4 ,t cl]k 0 fak+4 ,he has already telephon$4 ,& li/54 ,d y see any?+ peculi>8 ,he 0 runn+ all ?ree records :i* we _h on ! telescribe4 ,z he did s1 ,i saw unmi/akably t x 0 ! same voice on all ?ree4 ,:itney mu/ h _h a s]vant d ! telephon+ = him4 ,don't fret1 ,juanita1 reassur$ ,k5n$y4 ,we %all f9d y\r mi/ress = y4 ,%e w be all "r4 ,y _h bett] g back to ! ap>tm5t & wait4 ,walt] look up ! next tra9 to ,rockl$ge :ile ,i telephone ,o',connor4 ,we _h an h\r to wait be=e ! next tra9 left & 9 ! meantime we drove ,juanita back to ! ,m5doza ap>tm5t4 ,x 0 a %ort run to ,rockl$ge by railroad1 b x seem$ to me t x took h\rs4 ,k5n$y sat 9 sil5ce mo/ ( ! "t1 8 eyes clos$1 z if he 7 try+ to place himself 9 ! position ( ! o!rs & figure out :at !y w\ld d4 ,at la/ we arriv$1 ! only pass5g]s to get (f at ! little old /ation4 ,:i* way to turn we _h n ! slighte/ idea4 ,we look$ ab\t4 ,ev5 ! ticket (fice 0 clos$4 ,x look$ z ?\gh we might almo/ z well h /ay$ 9 ,new ,york4 ,d[n ! railroad we c\ld see t a great piece ( eng9e]+ 0 9 progress1 rais+ ! level ( ! tracks & build+ a /eel viaduct1 z well z a new /ation1 & at ! same "t n int]rupt+ ! ?r\gh traffic1 :i* 0 heavy4 ,surely !re mu/ be "s "o d[n !re1 obs]v$ ,k5n$y1 z we pick$ our way across ! /eel gird]s1 piles ( rails1 & ar\nd huge ma*9es = mix+ concrete4 ,we came at la/ to a little con/ruction h\se1 a sort ( g5]al ma*9e-& "w-%op1 9 :i* seem$ to be ev]y?+ f a file to a pneumatic rivet]4 ,hello6 %\t$ ,craig4 ,!re came a s\nd f a f> corn] ( a pile ( ties & a mom5t lat] a night-wat*man advanc$ suspici\sly sw++ 8 lant]n4 ,hello y\rself1 he gr[l$4 ,:i* way to ,/u>t ,:itney's e/ate8 ask$ ,craig4 ,my he>t sank z he gave ! directions4 ,x seem$ miles away4 ,j !n ! bl9d+ lights ( a c> fla%$ on u z x came d[n ! road p>allel to ! tracks4 ,he wav$ 8 light & ! c> /opp$4 ,x 0 empty1 except = a *auffeur evid5tly return+ f a joy ride4 ,take ^! g5tlem5 z f> z ,smi?'s corn]1 w y8 ask$ ! wat*man4 ,!n %[ 'em ! turn up to ,:itney's4 ,! *auffeur 0 an oblig+ *ap1 especially z x co/ him no?+ to e>n a sub/antial tip ) 8 ma/]'s c>4 ,h[ev]1 we 7 glad en\gh to ride 9 any?+ on :eels1 & n ov]-p>ticul> at t h\r ab\t ! own]%ip4 ,mr4 ,:itney hasn't be5 out "h mu* lately1 he volunte]$ z he sp$ along ! beautiful oil$ road1 & ! lights ca/ %ad[s on ! trees t made driv+ z easy z 9 daylight4 ,no1 he has be5 v busy1 return$ ,craig glad to turn to acc\nt ! opportunity to talk ) a *auffeur1 = x is ! *auffeur 9 ! c\ntry :o is ! purveyor ( all k & gossip4 ,8 c> pass$ u :5 ,i 0 driv+ up f ! city4 ,my boss won't let me spe$ or ,i w\ldn't h tak5 8 du/4 ,gee1 b he does we> out ! eng9es 9 8 c>s1 ,:itney4 ,0 he alone8 ask$ ,craig4 ,yes--& !n ,i saw him driv+ back aga9 :5 ,i w5t d[n1 to ! /ation = "s new %oes we _h express$ up4 ,j a fly+ trip1 ,i guess--or does he expect y8 ,i don't ?9k he does1 return$ ,craig tru?fully4 ,i saw a c\ple ( o!r c>s g up !re4 ,h\se p>ty8 ,maybe y'd call x t1 return$ ,craig ) a tw9kle ( ! eye4 ,did y see any ladies8 ,no1 return$ ! *auffeur4 ,j a man driv+ 8 own c> & ano!r ) a driv]4 ,!re wasn't a lady ) ,mr4 ,:itney8 ask$ ,craig1 n[ r anxi\s4 ,nei!r "t4 ,i saw :at he 0 driv+ at4 ,! ,s5ora might h got up !re 9 any fa%ion )\t be+ notic$4 ,b = ,inez n to be ) ,:itney1 nor ) ! two :o mu/ evid5tly h be5 ,lockwood & ,alfonso1 0 inde$ /range4 ,c\ld x be t we 7 only half "r--t !y _h ga!r$ "h b t ,inez _h really disappe>$8 ,! "y man set u d[n at ,smi?'s ,corn] & x prov$ to be only ab\t an eigh? ( a mile up ! road & up-hill :5 ,:itney's h\se bur/ 9 sight1 silh\ett$ aga9/ ! sky4 ,!re 7 lights !re & x 0 evid5t t sev]al p _h ga!r$ = "s purpose4 ,we made our way up ! pa? & paus$ a mom5t to look ?r\gh ! w9d[ be=e spr++ ! little surprise4 ,!re we c\ld see ,lockwood1 ,alfonso1 & ,s5ora de ,mo*e1 :o _h arriv$1 aft] all & probably be5 met at ! /ation by h] son4 ,!y seem$ l any?+ b a happy p>ty4 ,nev] on ! be/ ( t]ms1 !y c\ld n be expect$ to be happy4 ,b n[1 if ev]1 "o w\ld h ?\ght !y might d m ?an tol]ate ea* o!r1 assum+ t "s common purpose _h br\ght !m "h4 ,k5n$y rang ! bell & we c\ld see t all look$ surpris$1 = !y _h he>d no c> approa*4 ,a s]vant op5$ ! door & be=e he knew x1 ,k5n$y _h pu%$ pa/ him1 tak+ no *ances at a rebuff aft] ! exp]i5ce ov] ! wire4 ,k5n$y6 exclaim$ ,lockwood & ,alfonso toge!r4 ,:]e is ,inez ,m5doza8 dem&$ ,craig1 )\t return+ ! greet+4 ,inez8 !y repeat$ blankly4 ,k5n$y fac$ !m squ>ely4 ,come1 n[4 ,:]e is %e8 ,?is is a %[-d[n4 ,y may z well lay y\r c>ds on ! table4 ,:]e is %e--:at h y done ) h]8 ,! de ,mo*es look$ at ,lockwood & he look$ at !m1 b nei!r spoke = a mom5t4 ,walt]1 ord]$ ,k5n$y1 !re's ! telephone4 ,get ! manag+ editor ( ! ,/> & tell him :]e we are4 ,e newspap] 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 e police (fic] 9 e city w h ! /ory1 9 twelve h\rs1 if y preci\s rascals don't come across4 ,!re--,i give y until c5tral gets die ,/>4 ,:y--:at has happ5$8 ask$ ,lockwood1 :o 0 ! fir/ to recov] 8 tongue4 ,don't /& !re ask+ me :at has happ5$1 cri$ ,k5n$y impati5tly4 ,tickle t hook aga91 ,walt]4 ,y "k z well z ,i d t y h plann$ to get ,inez ,m5doza away f my influ5ce--to kidnap h]1 9 o!r words-- ,we kidnap h]8 gasp$ ,lockwood4 ,:at d y mean1 man8 ,i "k no?+ ( ?is4 ,is %e gone8 ,he :eel$ on ! de ,mo*es4 ,?is is "s ( y\r "w4 ,if any?+ happ5s to t girl--!re isn't an ,indian feud c equal ! v5geance ,i w take6 ,alfonso 0 absolutely spee*less4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e />t$ to speak1 b ,k5n$y int]rupt$ h]4 ,t w d f y1 he cut %ort4 ,y h pass$ beyond ! b\nds ( polit5ess :5 y delib]ately w5t out ( y\r way to ?r[ me on a wrong trail :ile "s "o 0 mak+ (f ) a "y & innoc5t girl4 ,y are a woman ( ! _w4 ,y w take y\r m$ic9e l a man1 too4 ,i don't ?9k ,i h ev] se5 ,k5n$y 9 a m t[]+ rage ?an he 0 at t mom5t4 ,:5 x 0 only a matt] ( a paltry poison$ dagg] at /ake & a =tune t may be my?ical or may be l t ( ,croesus1 = all ,i c>e1 we c\ld play ! game accord+ to rules1 he exclaim$4 ,b :5 y beg9 to tamp] ) a life l t ( ,inez de ,m5doza--y h pass$ ! b\nds ( all consid]ation4 ,y h ! ,/>8 ,telephone ! /ory anyh[4 ,we'll arbitrate aft]w>d4 ,i ?9k1 z ,i relat$ ! facts to my editor1 x sob]$ u all a great deal4 ,k5n$y1 appeal$ ,lockwood at la/1 z ,i hung up ! receiv]1 w y li/5 to my /ory8 ,x is :at ,i am "h =1 repli$ ,craig grimly4 ,believe x or n1 z f> z ,i am conc]n$1 ass]t$ ,lockwood1 ?is is all news to me4 ,my ,god--:]e is %e8 ,!n h[ came y "h8 dem&$ ,craig4 ,i c speak only = myself1 ha/5$ ,lockwood4 ,if y _h ask$ :]e ,:itney 01 ,i c\ld h und]/ood1 b-- ,well1 :]e is he8 ,we don't "k4 ,e>ly ?is aft]noon ,i receiv$ a hurri$ message f him--at lea/ ,i suppose x 0 f him--t he _h ! dagg] & 0 up "h4 ,he said--,i'll be p]fectly frank--he said t he 0 arrang+ a conf]5ce at :i* all ( u 7 to be pres5t to decide :at to d4 ,mean:ile ,i 0 to be kept away at any co/1 suppli$ ,k5n$y s>ca/ically4 ,:]e did he get x8 ,he didn't say4 ,& y didn't c>e1 z long z he _h x1 add$ ,craig1 !n1 turn+ to ! de ,mo*es1 ,& :at is y\r tale8 ,s5ora de ,mo*e did n lose h] self-possession = an in/ant4 ,we receiv$ ! same message4 ,:5 y call$1 ,i ?\ght x w\ld be be/ = ,alfonso to g alone1 s ,i telephon$ & caught him at ! g>age & :5 my tra9 arriv$ "h1 he 0 wait+4 ,none ( y h se5 ,:itney "h8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 to :i* all nodd$ 9 ! negative4 ,well1 y seem to agree pretty well 9 y\r /ories1 anyh[4 ,let me take a *ance ) ! s]vants4 ,x is no easy matt] to g into ano!r's h\sehold & )\t any (ficial position quiz & expect to get ! tru? out ( ! s]vants4 ,b ,k5n$y's v wra? seem$ to awe !m4 ,!y answ]$ 9 spite ( !mselves4 ,x seem$ cle> t z f> z !y w5t bo? gue/s & s]vants 7 tell+ ! tru?4 ,:itney _h made ! run up f ! city e>li] 9 ! aft]noon1 _h /ay$ only a %ort "t1 !n _h gone back1 leav+ ^w t he w\ld be !re aga9 be=e 8 gue/s arriv$4 ,!y all pr(ess$ to be z my/ifi$ z ourselves n[ ov] ! outcome ( ! :ole affair4 ,he _h n come back & !re _h be5 no ^w f him4 ,"o ?+ is c]ta91 rem>k$ ,craig1 wat*+ ! faces be=e him z he spoke4 ,inez is gone4 ,%e has be5 spirit$ away )\t ev5 leav+ a trace4 ,h] maid ,juanita told me t4 ,n[ if ,:itney is gone1 too1 x looks z if he _h plann$ to d\ble-cross ! :ole cr[d ( y & leave y safely m>oon$ up "h ) no?+ left b y\r common hatr$ ( me4 ,mu* good may x d y4 ,lockwood cl5*$ 8 fi/s savagely1 n at ,k5n$y b at ! ?\ght t ,craig _h sugge/$4 ,8 face set itself 9 t5se l9es z he swore v5geance on all jo9tly & sev]ally if any h>m came to ,inez4 ,i almo/ =got my suspicions ( him 9 admiration4 ,no?+ l ?is w\ld ev] h happ5$ if %e _h /ay$ 9 ,p]u1 exclaim$ ,alfonso bitt]ly4 ,oh1 :y did h] fa!r ev] br+ h] "h to ?is l& ( dang]8 ,! idea seem$ novel to me to look on ,am]ica z a lawless1 uncultur$ c\ntry1 until ,i reflect$ on ! usual ,lat9-,am]ican op9ion ( u z b>b>ians4 ,lockwood fr[n$ b said no?+1 = a "t4 ,!n he turn$ sudd5ly to ! ,s5ora1 ,y 7 intimate en\gh ) him1 he said4 ,did he tell y any m ?an he told u8 ,x 0 cle> t ,lockwood felt n[ t e man's h& 0 aga9/ him4 ,i ?\ght ,i c\ld discov] a suppress$ gleam ( satisfaction 9 h] wond]ful eyes z %e answ]$1 ,no?+ m4 ,x 0 only t ,i c>ri$ out :at he ask$ me4 ,c\ld x be t %e 0 tak+ a subtle delight 9 ! turn ( ev5ts--! work+ out ( a curse on ! treasure-secret :i* ! fatal dagg] bore8 ,i c\ld n say4 ,b x w\ld n h ne$$ mu* sup]/ition to conv9ce any "o t ! curse on ! ,gold ( ! ,gods 0 z g5u9e z any t _h ev] be5 utt]$1 z x heap$ up crime on crime4 ,we wait$ 9 sil5ce1 ! m hopeless z ! s++ ( ! night insects italiciz$ our isolation f ! organiz$ in/rum5ts ( man = ! right+ ( wrong4 ,"h we 71 ea* suspect+ ! o!r1 9 ! home ( a man :om all mi/ru/$4 ,!re's no use sitt+ "h do+ no?+1 exclaim$ ,lockwood 9 ^: m9d 0 evid5tly ! same ?\ght1 n s long z we h ! telephone & ! automobiles4 ,^!1 at lea/1 7 our la/ bonds ) ! great _w t _h wrapp$ a d>k night ab\t a d>k] my/]y4 ,!re are _m miles ( wire--_m miles ( road4 ,:i* way %all we turn8 ,s5ora de ,mo*e seem$ to take a fi5di% delight 9 ! words z %e said !m4 ,x 0 z ?\gh %e *all5g$ our helplessness 9 ! face ( a p[] t 0 great] ?an u all4 ,lockwood fla%$ a look ( suspicion 9 h] direction4 ,z = myself1 ,i _h nev] be5 able to make ! woman out4 ,to-night %e seem$ l a sort ( dea ex ma*9a1 :o sat ap>t1 play+ on ! passions ( a gr\p ( puppet m5 :om %e set aga9/ ea* o!r until all %\ld be involv$ 9 a common ru94 ,x 0 impossible1 9 ! sil5ce ( ?is f>-(f lonely place 9 ! c\ntry1 n to feel ! weirdness ( x all4 ,once ,i clos$ my eyes & 0 />tl$ by ! uncanny vividness ( a m9d-picture t came unbidd54 ,x 0 ( a scrap ( pap] on :i*1 9 r\gh capitals 0 pr9t$3 ,,bew>e ,,! ,,curse ,,( ,,mansi*e ,,on ,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods4 ,,xxiii ,,! ,,acetyl5e ,,tor* ,d y suppose he really _h ! dagg]1 or 0 t a lie8 ,i ask$1 ) an ef=t %ak+ (f ! fateful feel+ t _h come ov] me z if "s "o 7 ca/+ a spell4 ,!re is "o way to f9d out1 return$ ,craig1 z ?\gh glad ( ! sugge/ion4 ,?\gh !y hat$ him1 !y seem$ =c$ to admit1 = ! "t1 8 lead]%ip4 ,he rose & ! re/ foll[$ z he w5t into ,:itney's libr>y4 ,he swit*$ on ! lights4 ,!re 9 a corn] back ( ! desk /ood a safe4 ,someh[ or o!r x seem$ to defy u1 ev5 ?\gh its ma/] 0 gone4 ,i look$ at x a mom5t4 ,x 0 a mo/ p[]ful affair1 companion to t 9 ! (fice ( :i* ,:itney 0 s pr\d1 built ( lay] on lay] ( *rome /eel1 ) a door t 0 air tight & s\p-pro(1 bidd+ defiance to all yeggm5 & pet]m54 ,lockwood f+]$ ! comb9ation hopelessly4 ,!re 7 "s millions ( comb9ations & p]mutations t only a ma!matician c\ld calculate4 ,only "o 0 any good4 ,t "o 0 lock$ 9 ! m9d ( ! man :o n[ seem$ to baffle u z did 8 /rong-box4 ,i plac$ my h& on ! cold1 defiant surface4 ,x w\ld take h\rs to drill a safe l t1 & ev5 !n x might turn ! po9ts ( ! drills4 ,explosives might soon] wreck ! h\se & br+ x d[n ov] ! head ( ! man :o attack$ ?is mon/]4 ,:at c we d8 ask$ ,s5ora de ,mo*e1 seem+ to mock u1 z ?\gh ! safe itself 7 an inhuman ?+ t block$ our pa?4 ,d8 repeat$ ,k5n$y decisively1 ,i'll %[ y :at we c d4 ,if ,lockwood w drive me d[n to ! railroad /ation 9 8 c>1 ,i'll %[ y some?+ t looks l action4 ,w y d x8 ,! reque/ 0 m l a comm&4 ,lockwood said no?+1 b mov$ t[>d ! porte-co*]e1 :]e he _h left 8 c> p>k$ j aside f ! broad driveway4 ,walt]1 y w /ay "h1 ord]$ ,k5n$y4 ,let no "o leave4 ,if any "o comes1 don't let him get away4 ,we %an't be gone long4 ,i sat awkw>dly en\gh1 sc>cely speak+ a ^w1 z ,k5n$y da%$ d[n to ! railroad /ation4 ,nei!r ,alfonso nor 8 "m betray$ ei!r by ^w or action a h9t ( :at 0 pass+ 9 _! m9ds4 ,someh[1 ?\gh ,i did n und]/& x1 ,i felt t ,lockwood might squ>e himself4 ,b ,i c\ld n help feel+ t ^! two might v possibly be at ! bottom ( almo/ any?+4 ,x 0 ) "s relief t ,i he>d ! c> approa*+ aga94 ,i _h no idea :at ,k5n$y 0 aft]1 :e!r x 0 dynamite or :e!r he contemplat$ a trip to ,new ,york4 ,i 0 surpris$ to see him1 ) ,lockwood1 hurry+ up ! /eps to ! por*1 ea* ) a huge tank /udd$ ) bolts l a boil]4 ,!re1 ord]$ ,craig1 set ! oxyg5 !re1 z he plac$ 8 own tank on ! opposite side4 ,t wat*man ?\ght ,i 0 bluff+ :5 ,i said ,i'd get an ord] f ! company1 if ,i _h to wake up ! presid5t ( ! road4 ,x 0 too good a *ance to miss4 ,"o doesn't f9d su* a complete outfit ready to h& e day4 ,out ( ! tanks /\t tubes l$1 ) /op-cocks & gauges at ! top4 ,f a case "u 8 arm ,k5n$y produc$ a curi\s arrangem5t l a huge hook1 ) a curv$ neck & a %>p beak4 ,really x consi/$ ( two metal tubes :i* ran into a sort ( cyl9d]1 or mix+ *amb]1 above ! nozzle1 :ile p>allel to !m ran a ?ird sep>ate tube ) a second nozzle ( its own4 ,quickly he jo9$ ! ends ( ! tubes f ! tanks to ! metal hook1 ! oxyg5 tank be+ jo9$ to two ( ! tubes ( ! hook1 & ! second tank be+ jo9$ to ! o!r4 ,) a mat* he t\*$ ! nozzle g+]ly4 ,in/antly a hiss+1 spitt+ noise foll[$1 & an int5se1 bl9d+ ne$le ( flame4 ,n[ we'll see :at an oxyacetyl5e bl[-pipe w d to y1 old /ick-9-!-mud1 cri$ ,k5n$y1 z he advanc$ t[>d ! safe1 address+ x z ?\gh x _h be5 a ?+ ( life t /ood 9 8 way4 ,i ?9k ?is w make %ort "w ( y4 ,almo/ z he said x1 ! /eel b5ea? ! bl[-pipe became inc&esc5t4 ,= "s "t he lab\r$ to get a />t+-po9t = ! flame ( ! high-pressure tor*4 ,x 0 a brilliant sight4 ,! t]rific heat f ! fir/ nozzle caus$ ! metal to gl[ "u ! tor* z if 9 an op5-he>? furnace4 ,f ! second nozzle issu$ a /ream ( oxyg51 "u :i* ! hot metal ( ! door 0 completely consum$4 ,! =ce ( ! bla/1 z ! compress$ oxyg5 & acetyl5e 7 expell$1 c>ri$ a f9e spray ( ! dis9tegrat$ metal visibly be=e x4 ,& yet x 0 n a big hole t x made--sc>cely an eigh? ( an in* wide1 b clean & %>p z if a buzz-saw 7 eat+ its way ?r\gh a plank ( :ite-p9e4 ,) t5se muscles ,k5n$y held ?is t]rific eng9e ( de/ruction & mov$ x z easily z if x _h be5 a m]e p5cil ( light4 ,he 0 ! calme/ ( all ( u z we cr[d$ ab\t him1 b at a respectful di/ance4 ,i suppose y "k1 he rem>k$ ha/ily1 nev] paus+ = a mom5t 9 8 "w1 t acetyl5e is compos$ ( c>bon & hydrog54 ,z x burns at ! end ( ! nozzle x is brok5 into c>bon & hydrog5--! c>bon gives ! high temp]ature & ! hydrog5 =ms a cone t protects ! end ( ! bl[-pipe f be+ itself burnt up4 ,b isn't x dang]\s8 ,i ask$1 amaz$ at ! skill ) :i* he h&l$ ! bl[-pipe4 ,n p>ticul>ly--:5 y "k h[ to d x4 ,9 t tank is a por\s asbe/os pack+ saturat$ ) acetone1 "u pressure4 ,?us !y c>ry acetyl5e safely1 = x is dissolv$ & ! possibility ( explosion is m9imiz$4 ,?is mix+ *amb]1 by :i* ,i am hold+ ! tor*1 :]e ! oxyg5 & acetyl5e mix1 is also design$ 9 su* a way z to prev5t a fla%-back4 ,! be/ ?+ ab\t ?is /yle ( bl[-pipe is ! ease ) :i* x c be transport$ & ! curi\s purposes--l ?is--to :i* x c be put4 ,he paus$ a mom5t to te/ :at _h be5 burnt4 ,! re/ ( ! safe seem$ z firm z ev]4 ,humph6 ,i he>d "o ( !m1 ,i ?9k x 0 ,alfonso1 mutt]4 ,i res5t$ x1 b ,k5n$y affect$ n to he>4 ,:5 ,i %ut (f ! oxyg5 9 ?is second jet1 he resum$1 y see ! tor* m]ely heats ! /eel4 ,i c get a heat ( approximately sixty-?ree hundr$ degrees ,fahr5heit1 & ! flame w ex]t a pressure ( fifty p\nds to ! squ>e in*4 ,wond]ful6 exclaim$ ,lockwood1 :o _h n he>d ! suppress$ disapproval ( ,alfonso1 & 0 wat*+1 9 undisguis$ admiration at ! ?+ itself1 reg>dless ( consequ5ces4 ,k5n$y1 h[ did y ev] ?9k ( su* a ?+8 ,:y1 x's us$ = weld+1 y "k1 answ]$ ,craig1 z he cont9u$ to "w calmly 9 ! gr[+ excitem5t4 ,i fir/ saw x 9 actual use 9 m5d+ a crack$ cyl9d] 9 an automobile4 ,! cyl9d] 0 repair$ )\t be+ tak5 out at all4 ,i've se5 x weld new tee? & build up worn tee? on ge>+1 z good z new4 ,he paus$ to let u see ! t]rifically heat$ metal "u ! flame4 ,y rememb] :5 we 7 talk+ to ! wat*man d[n !re at ! /ation1 ,walt]8 he ask$4 ,i saw ?is ?+ 9 t complete little %op ( !irs4 ,x int]e/$ me4 ,see4 ,i turn on ! oxyg5 n[ 9 ! second nozzle4 ,! bl[-pipe is no long] an in/rum5t = jo9+ metals toge!r1 b = cutt+ !m asund]4 ,! /eel burns j z y1 p]haps1 h se5 a wat*-spr+ burn 9 a j> ( oxyg54 ,/eel1 h>d or s(t1 temp]$1 anneal$1 *rome1 or ,h>veyiz$1 x all burns j ab\t z fa/1 & j ab\t z easily "u ?is tor*4 ,& x's *eap1 too4 ,?is attack--aside f :at x co/s to ! safe--may am\nt to a c\ple ( doll>s z f> z ! bl[-pipe is conc]n$--q a diff]5ce f ! ?\s&s ( doll>s' loss t w\ld foll[ an attempt to bl[ a safe l ?is "o4 ,we _h no?+ to say4 ,we /ood 9 awe-/ruck amazem5t z ! tor* sl[ly1 inexorably trac$ a ?9 l9e along ! edge ( ! comb9ation4 ,m9ute aft] m9ute sp$ by1 z ! l9e burn$ by ! bl[-pipe cut ar\nd ! lock4 ,x seem$ h\rs1 b really x 0 m9utes4 ,i wond]$ :5 he w\ld h cut ab\t ! :ole lock4 ,he 0 cutt+ cle> ?r\gh & ar\nd x1 sev]+ x z if ) a sup]human knife4 ,) some?+ m ?an half 8 "w done1 he paus$ a mom5t to re/4 ,walt]1 he direct$1 mopp+ 8 =ehead1 = x 0 real "w direct+ t flam+ knife1 get ,new ,york on ! wire4 ,see if ,o',connor is at 8 (fice4 ,if he has any report1 ,i want to talk to him4 ,x 0 gett+ late & ! s]vice 0 slack5+ up4 ,i _h "s tr\ble1 especially 9 gett+ a good connection1 b at la/ ,i got headqu>t]s & 0 ov]joy$ to he> ,o',connor's bluff1 ,iri% voice boom back at me4 ,hello1 ,jameson1 he call$4 ,:]e on e>? are y8 ,i've be5 try+ to get hold ( ,k5n$y = a c\ple ( h\rs4 ,rockl$ge8 ,well1 is ,k5n$y !re8 ,put him on1 w y8 ,i call$ ,craig &1 z ,i did s1 my curiosity got ! bett] ( me & ,i s\ght out an ext5sion ( ! wire 9 a d5 across ! hall f ! libr>y1 :]e ,i c\ld li/5 9 on :at 0 said4 ,hello1 ,o',connor1 answ]$ ,craig4 ,any?+ f ,burke yet8 ,yes1 came back ! welcome news4 ,i ?9k he has a clue4 ,we f\nd out f "h t %e receiv$ a long di/ance message dur+ ! aft]noon4 ,:]e did ,jameson say y 7--,rockl$ge8--t's ! place4 ,( c\rse we don't "k :at ! message 01 b anyh[ %e w5t out to meet "s "o "r aft] t4 ,! "t corresponds ) :at ! maid says4 ,any?+ else8 ask$ ,craig4 ,h y f\nd any "o :o saw h]8 ,yes4 ,i ?9k %e w5t ov] to y\r laboratory4 ,b y 7 out4 ,conf\nd x6 int]rupt$ ,craig4 ,"s "o saw a woman !re4 ,x wasn't ! maid8 ,no1 ?is 0 e>li]--9 ! aft]noon4 ,%e left & walk$ across ! campus to ! ,museum4 ,oh1 by ! way1 any ^w ( ,norton8 ,i'm com+ to t4 ,%e inquir$ = ,norton4 ,! curator has giv5 a good description4 ,b he 0 out--hadn't be5 !re = "s "t4 ,%e seem$ to be v mu* upset ov] some?+4 ,%e w5t away4 ,aft] t we've lo/ h]4 ,n ano!r trace8 ,wait a m9ute4 ,we _h ?is ,rockl$ge call to "w on4 ,s we />t$ backw>d on t4 ,x 0 ,:itney's place1 ,i f\nd out4 ,we c\ld locate ! c> at ! />t & at ! f9i%4 ,he left ! ,pr9ce ,edw>d ,alb]t & w5t up !re fir/4 ,!n he mu/ h come back to ! city aga94 ,no "o at ! hotel saw him ! second "t4 ,:at !n8 ha/5$ ,craig4 ,%e may h met him some:]e1 ?\gh x's n likely %e _h any int5tion ( go+ away4 ,all ! re/ ( ^? p y h up !re seem to h gone prep>$4 ,we got some?+ on ea* ( !m4 ,also y'll be int]e/$ to "k ,i've got a report ( y\r own do+s4 ,x 0 "r1 ,k5n$y1 ,i don't blame y4 ,i'd h done ! same ) ,burke on ! job4 ,h[ are y mak+ out8 ,:at8 ,y're crack+ a crib8 ,) :at8 ,o',connor :i/l$ z ,k5n$y relat$ ! /ory ( ! bl[-pipe4 ,i ?9k y're on ! "r track1 he comm5d$4 ,!re's no?+ to %[ x1 b ,i believe ,:itney told h] some?+ t *ang$ h] m9d ab\t go+ up !re4 ,probably met h] 9 "s tea room1 al?\gh we c't f9d any?+ f ! tea rooms4 ,anyh[1 ,burke's out trail+ along ! road f ,new ,york to ,rockl$ge & ,i'm gett+ reports f him :5ev] he hits a telephone4 ,i wi% y'd ask him to call me1 "h1 if he gets any?+4 ,sure ,i w4 ,! la/ call 0 f ! ,*ateau ,r\ge1--t's ab\t halfway4 ,!re 0 a c> ) a man & a woman :o answ]s h] description4 ,!n1 !re 0 ano!r c>1 too4 ,ano!r c>8 ,yes--t's :]e ,norton crosses ! trail aga94 ,we se>*$ 8 ap>tm5t4 ,x 0 upset--l ,:itney's4 ,i hav5't f9i%$ ) t4 ,b we h a li/ ( all ! private hack+ places4 ,i've locat$ "o t hir$ a c> to a man answ]+ ,norton's description4 ,i ?9k he's on ! trail4 ,t's :at ,i meant by ano!r c>4 ,:at's he do+8 ,maybe he has a hun*4 ,i'm gett+ sup]/iti\s ab\t ?is case4 ,y "k ,luis de ,m5doza has ?irte5 lett]s 9 x4 ,leslie told me some?+ ab\t a ?reat he _h--a curse4 ,y bett] look out = ^? two greas]s y h up !re4 ,!y may h ano!r knife = y4 ,k5n$y glanc$ ov] at ! de ,mo*es1 n 9 fe> b 9 amusem5t at :at !y w\ld ?9k if !y c\ld he> ,o',connor's uncultur$ op9ion4 ,all "r1 ,o',connor1 said ,craig1 ev]y?+ seems to be go+ z well z we c expect4 ,don't =get to tell ,burke ,i'm "h4 ,i won't4 ,j a m9ute4 ,he's on ano!r wire = me4 ,k5n$y wait$ impati5tly4 ,he want$ to f9i% 8 job on ! safe be=e "s "o came walk+ 9 & /opp$ x1 yet !re 0 always a *ance t ,burke might turn up some?+4 ,hello1 call$ ,o',connor a few m9utes lat]4 ,he's /ill foll[+ ! two c>s4 ,he ?9ks ! "o ) ! woman 9 x is ,:itney's1 all "r4 ,b !y've got (f ! ma9 road4 ,!y mu/ ?9k !y're be+ foll[$4 ,or else h *ang$ _! de/9ation1 return$ ,craig4 ,tell him t4 ,maybe ,:itney _h no int5tion ( com+ up "h4 ,he may h done ?is ?+ j to ?r[ ^! p (f up "h1 too4 ,i c't say4 ,i c tell bett] :e!r he int5d$ to come back aft] ,i've got ?is safe op54 ,i'll let y "k4 ,k5n$y rang (f4 ,any news ( ,inez8 ask$ ,lockwood :o _h be5 fum+ ) impati5ce4 ,%e's probably on h] way up "h1 return$ ,craig briefly1 tak+ up ! bl[-pipe aga94 ,alfonso rema9$ sil5t4 ,! ,s5ora c\ld sc>cely hide h] excitem5t4 ,if !re 7 any?+ 9 telepa?y1 ,i am sure t %e read ev]y?+ t 0 said ov] ! wire4 ,quickly ,craig resum$ 8 "w1 bit+ ?r\gh ! solid /eel z if x _h be5 m]e pa/ebo>d1 ! bl[-pipe %[]+ on ea* side a brilliant spray ( sp>ks1 a gaudy1 pyrote*nic display4 ,sudd5ly1 ) a quick motion1 ,k5n$y turn$ (f ! acetyl5e & oxyg54 ,! la/ bolt _h be5 sev]$1 ! lock 0 useless4 ,a g5tle pu% ( ! h&1 & he swung ! once impregnable door on its delicately pois$ h+es z easily z if he _h m]ely said1 ,op5 sesame4 ,craig rea*$ 9 & pull$ op5 a /eel draw] directly 9 front ( him4 ,!re 9 ! %ad[ lay ! dagg]--) its incalculably valuable secret1 a poor1 unattractive piece ( metal1 b ) a fasc9ation su* z no o!r object1 ,i _h ev] se51 possess$4 ,!re 0 a sudd5 cry4 ,! ,s5ora _h d>t$ ahead1 z if to clasp its h&le & unloose ! murd]\s blade t ne/l$ 9 its ?ree-sid$ %ea?4 ,be=e %e c\ld rea* x1 ,k5n$y _h seiz$ h] h& 9 8 iron grasp1 :ile ) ! o!r he pick$ up ! dagg]4 ,!y /ood !re gaz+ into ea* o!r's eyes4 ,!n ! ,s5ora bur/ into a hy/]ical laugh4 ,! curse is on all :o possess x6 ,?ank y1 smil$ ,k5n$y quietly1 releas+ h] wri/ z he dropp$ ! dagg] into 8 pocket1 ,i am only ! tru/ee4 ,,xxiv ,,! ,,police ,,dog ,craig fac$ u1 b !re 0 no air ( triumph 9 8 mann]4 ,i knew :at 0 9 8 m9d4 ,he _h ! dagg]4 ,b he _h lo/ ,inez4 ,:at 7 we to d8 ,!re seem$ to be no way to turn4 ,we knew some?+ ( ! mann] ( h] disappe>ance4 ,at fir/ %e _h1 app>5tly1 gone will+ly4 ,b x 0 inconceivable t %e /ay$ will+ly1 n[4 ,i recall$ all ! rem>ks t ,:itney _h ev] made ab\t h]4 ,_h ! tru? come out 9 8 je/s8 ,0 x ,inez1 n ! dagg]1 t he really want$8 ,or 0 he m]ely ! in/rum5t ( "o or all ( ^! p be=e u1 & 0 ?is an elaborate plan to ?r[ ,k5n$y (f & prove an alibi = !m8 ,he _h be5 ! p>tn] ( ,lockwood1 ! intimate ( de ,mo*e4 ,:i* 0 he work+ =1 n[--or 0 he work+ = himself alone8 ,no answ] came to my que/ions1 & ,i reflect$ t none w\ld ev] come1 if we sat "h4 ,yet !re seem$ to be no way to turn1 )\t risk+ putt+ ourselves 9 a worse position ?an be=e4 ,at lea/1 until we _h "s bett] plan ( campaign1 we occupi$ a /rategic advantage 9 ,:itney's own h\se4 ,! h\rs ( ! night wore on4 ,midnight came4 ,?is inaction 0 kill+4 ,any?+ w\ld be bett] ?an t4 ,sudd5ly ! telephone />tl$ u4 ,we _h want$ x to r+1 yet :5 x rang we 7 afraid ( x4 ,:at 0 its message8 ,x 0 ) palpitat+ he>ts t we li/5$1 :ile ,craig answ]$4 ,yes1 ,burke1 we he>d him reply1 ?is is ,k5n$y4 ,!re came a pause dur+ :i* we c\ld sc>cely wait4 ,:]e are y n[8 ,cold ,/ream4 ,t is ab\t twelve miles f ,rockl$ge--n on ! ,new ,york road--! o!r road4 ,i see4 ,all "r4 ,we'll be !re4 ,yes1 wait = u4 ,z ,craig hung up ! receiv]1 we cr[d$ =w>d4 ,h !y f\nd h]8 ask$ ,lockwood ho>sely4 ,x 0 f ,burke1 repli$ ,k5n$y delib]ately4 ,he is at a place call$ ,cold ,/ream1 twelve miles f "h4 ,he tells me t we c f9d x easily--on a /ate road1 at a %>p curve t has be5 wid5$ out1 j ?is side ( ! t[n4 ,!re has be5 an accid5t--,:itney's c> is wreck$4 ,lockwood seiz$ 8 elb[4 ,my ,god1 he exclaim$1 tell me--%e isn't--hurt1 is %e8 ,quick6 ,s f> ,burke has n be5 able to discov] a trace ( a ?+1 except ! wreck$ c>1 repli$ ,k5n$y4 ,i told him ,i w\ld be ov] directly4 ,lockwood1 y may take ,jameson & ,alfonso4 ,i w g ) ! ,s5ora & _! driv]4 ,i saw in/antly :y he _h divid$ ! p>ty4 ,nei!r "m nor son 0 to h a *ance to slip away f u4 ,surely bo? ,lockwood & ,i %\ld be a mat* = ,alfonso4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e he w\ld tru/ to none b himself4 ,eag]ly n[ we prep>$ = ! j\rney1 late ?\gh x 04 ,no "o n[ _h a ?\ght ( re/4 ,!re c\ld be no re/ ) t my/]y ( ,inez *all5g+ u4 ,we 7 (f at la/1 ,lockwood's c> lead+1 = al?\gh he did n "k ! roads exactly1 he _h driv5 mu* ab\t ! c\ntry4 ,i %\ld h lik$ to h sat 9 front ) him1 b x seem$ saf] to /ay 9 ! back ) ,alfonso4 ,9 fact1 ,i don't ?9k ,lockwood w\ld h cons5t$1 o!rwise1 to h 8 rival back ( him4 ,k5n$y & ! ,s5ora made a /range pair1 ! anci5t ord] & ! ultra-mod]n4 ,!re 0 a peculi> light 9 h] eyes t gleam$ =? at ! m]e m5tion ( ! words1 wreck4 ,?\gh %e said no?+1 ,i knew t ?r\gh h] m9d 0 runn+ ! "o t5aci\s ?\ght4 ,x 0 ! work+ out ( ! curse6 ,z = ,craig1 he 0 always seek+ ! plausible1 natural reason = :at to ! re/ ( u 0 inexplicable1 (t5 sup]natural4 ,to him %e 0 a fasc9at+ /udy4 ,on we sp$1 = ,lockwood 0 a good driv] & n[ 0 spurr$ on by an anxiety t he c\ld n conceal4 ,yet 8 h& nev] falt]$ at ! :eel4 ,he seem$ to read ! signs at ! cross-roads )\t slack5+ spe$4 ,9 spite ( all t ,i knew1 ,i f\nd myself compell$ to admire him4 ,alfonso sat back1 = ! mo/ "p sil5t4 ,! melan*oly 9 8 face seem$ to h deep5$4 ,he seem$ to feel t he 0 b a toy 9 ! h&s ( fate4 ,yet ,i knew t und]nea? mu/ sm\ld] ! emb]s ( a bitt] res5tm5t4 ,x seem$ an int]m9able ride ev5 at ! spe$ :i* we 7 mak+4 ,twelve miles 9 ! blackness ( a c\ntry night c seem l a hundr$4 ,at la/ z we turn$ a curve1 & ,lockwood's headlights %one on ! :ite f5ce t skirt$ ! out] edge ( ! road z x swung ar\nd a hill t rose %>ply to our left & dropp$ (f 9 a sort ( rav9e at ! "r beyond ! f5ce1 ,i felt ! c> tremble z he put on ! brakes4 ,a man 0 wav+ 8 arms = u to /op1 & z we did1 he ran =w>d4 ,he pe]$ 9 at u & ,i recogniz$ ,burke4 ,:e-:]e's ,k5n$y8 he ask$1 disappo9t$1 = ! mom5t fe>+ he _h made a mi/ake & signall$ ! wrong c>4 ,com+1 ,i repli$1 z we he>d ! driv] ( ! o!r c> s\nd+ 8 horn furi\sly z he approa*$ ! curve4 ,burke jump$ to ! safe side ( ! road & ran on back to signal to /op4 ,x 0 !n = ! fir/ "t t ,i paid p>ticul> att5tion to ! f5ce ahead ( u on :i* n[ bo? our own & ! lights ( ! o!r c> %one4 ,at "o po9t x 0 torn & spl9t]$1 z ?\gh some?+ _h gone ?r\gh x4 ,great heav5s1 y don't mean to say t !y w5t ov] t8 mutt]$ ,lockwood1 jump+ d[n & runn+ =w>d4 ,k5n$y _h jo9$ u by ?is "t & we all hurri$ ov]4 ,d[n 9 ! rav9e we c\ld see a lant]n :i* ,burke _h br\ght & :i* 0 n[ re/+ on ! ov]turn$ *assis ( ! c>4 ,lockwood 0 d[n !re ahead ( u all1 pe]+ "u ! heavy body fe>fully1 z if he expect$ to see two =ms ( mangl$ fle%4 ,he /raight5$ up1 !n took ! lant]n & fla%$ x ab\t4 ,!re 0 no?+ except cu%ions & a few p>ts ( ! c> )9 ! radius ( its gleam4 ,:]e are !y8 he dem&$1 turn+ to u4 ,x's ,:itney's c>1 all "r4 ,burke %ook 8 head4 ,i've trac$ ! c> s f>4 ,!y 7 gett+ ahead ( me1 :5 ?is happ5$4 ,toge!r we manag$ to "r ! c> :i* 0 on a hillock4 ,x sank a little fur!r d[n ! hill1 b at lea/ we c\ld look inside x4 ,br+ ! lant]n1 ord]$ ,k5n$y4 ,m9utely1 "p by "p1 he w5t ov] ! c>4 ,some?+ w5t wrong1 he mutt]$4 ,x is too mu* wreck$ to tell :at x 04 ,fla% ! light ov] "h1 he direct$1 /epp+ ov] ! seat into ! back ( ! tonneau4 ,a mom5t lat] he took ! light himself & held x close to ! rods t support$ ! top4 ,i saw him rea* d[n & pull f !m a few /r&s ( d>k hair t _h caught betwe5 ! rods & _h be5 pull$ out or brok54 ,no ne$ ( ,b]tillon's palette ( human hair to id5tify t1 he exclaim$4 ,!re isn't "t to /udy x & if !re 7 x w\ld be unnecess>y4 ,%e 0 ) him1 all "r4 ,yes1 agre$ ,lockwood4 ,b :]e is %e n[--:]e is he8 ,c\ld !y h be5 hurt1 pick$ up by "s "o & c>ri$ :]e !y c\ld get aid8 ,burke %ook 8 head4 ,i inquir$ at ! ne>e/ h\se ahead4 ,i _h to d x 9 ord] to telephone4 ,!y knew no?+4 ,b !y are gone1 p]si/$ ,lockwood4 ,!re is ! bottom ( ! bank4 ,y c see t !y are n "h4 ,k5n$y _h tak5 ! light & climb$ ! bank aga9 & 0 n[ go+ ov] ! road z m9utely z if he 7 se>*+ = a lo/ diamond4 ,look6 he exclaim$4 ,:]e ! ,:itney c> _h skidd$ & gone ov] ! bank1 ! tires _h dug deep into ! top dress+1 mak+ little m\nds4 ,across !m n[ we c\ld see ! tracks ( o!r tires t _h press$ d[n ! m\nds4 ,"s "o else has be5 "h1 recon/ruct$ ,k5n$y4 ,he pass$1 !n /opp$ & back$ up4 ,p]haps !y 7 ?r[n out1 unconsci\s1 & he pick$ !m up4 ,x seem$ to be ! only reasonable supposition4 ,b !y knew no?+ at ! next h\se1 p]si/$ ,burke4 ,is !re a road lead+ (f be=e y get to ! h\se8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,yes--x crosses ! l9e into ,massa*usetts4 ,x is wor? try+--x is ! only ?+ we c d1 decid$ ,k5n$y4 ,drive sl[ly to ! crossroads4 ,p]haps we c pick out ! tire-pr9ts !re4 ,!y c]ta9ly won't %[ on ! road itself4 ,x is too h>d4 ,at ! cross+ we /opp$ & ,k5n$y dropp$ d[n on 8 h&s & knees aga9 ) ! light4 ,!re x is1 he exclaim$4 ,! same make ( anti-skid tire1 at lea/4 ,!re 0 a cut 9 ! re> tire--j l ?is4 ,see8 ,x is ! f+]-pr9t ( ! motor c>4 ,i ?9k we are "r4 ,turn up "h & run sl[ly4 ,on we w5t sl[ly1 ,k5n$y rid+ on ! runn+-bo>d ( ! c> ahead4 ,sudd5ly he rais$ 8 h& to /op1 & jump$ d[n4 ,we ga!r$ ab\t him4 ,_h he f\nd a cont9uation ( ! tire-tracks8 ,!re 7 tracks b he 0 n look+ at !m4 ,he 0 look+ betwe5 !m4 ,!re ran a ?9 l9e4 ,he /uck 8 f+] 9 x & sniff$4 ,n gas1 he rem>k$4 ,x mu/ h be5 ! radiator1 leak+4 ,p]haps he ran 8 c> into ,:itney's--=c$ x too f> to ! edge ( ! road4 ,we c't tell4 ,b he c\ldn't h gone f> ) t leak )\t f9d+ wat]--or crack$ cyl9d]s4 ,) r$\bl$ int]e/ n[ we resum$ ! *ase4 ,we _h m\nt$ a hill & _h run d[n into ! %ad[s ( a valley :51 foll[+ 9 ! second c>1 we he>d a %\t f ,k5n$y 9 ! fir/4 ,halfway up ! hill across ! valley1 he _h come ^u an ab&on$ c>4 ,x _h evid5tly rea*$ its limit1 ! mom5tum ( ! previ\s hill _h c>ri$ x s f> up ! o!r1 !n ! driv] _h /opp$ x & let x back sl[ly (f ! road into a clump ( bu%es t hid a little gully4 ,b t 0 all4 ,!re 0 n a sign ( a p]son ab\t4 ,:atev] _h happ5$ "h _h happ5$ "s h\rs be=e4 ,we look$ ab\t4 ,all 0 ,cimm]ian d>kness4 ,n a h\se or habitation ( man or bea/ 0 9 sight1 ?\gh !y might n be f> away4 ,we beat ab\t ! "u-bru%1 b succe$$ 9 /irr+ up no?+ b mosquitoes4 ,:at 7 we to d8 ,we 7 wa/+ valuable "t4 ,:]e %\ld we g8 ,i d\bt :e!r !y w\ld h kept on ! road1 reason$ ,k5n$y4 ,!y mu/ h kn[n !y w\ld be foll[$4 ,! h>de/ place to foll[ !m w\ld be across c\ntry4 ,) a lant]n8 ,i object$4 ,we c't d x4 ,k5n$y glanc$ at 8 wat*4 ,x w be ?ree h\rs be=e !re is light en\gh to see any?+ by1 he consid]$4 ,!y h _h at lea/ a c\ple ( h\rs4 ,five h\rs is too good a />t4 ,burke--take "o ( ! c>s4 ,g ahead along ! road4 ,we mu/n't neglect t4 ,i'll take ! o!r4 ,i want to get back to t h\se & call ,o' ,connor4 ,walt]1 y /ay "h ) ! re/4 ,we sep>at$ & ,i felt t1 al?\gh ,i 0 do+ no?+1 ,i _h my h&s full wat*+ ^! ?ree4 ,lockwood 0 re/less & c\ld n help beat+ ar\nd 9 ! "u-bru%1 9 ! hope ( turn+ up some?+4 ,n[ & !n he w\ld mutt] to himself "s ?reat if any?+ happ5$ to ,inez4 ,i let him occupy himself1 = our own1 z mu* z 81 peace ( m9d4 ,alfonso _h jo9$ 8 "m 9 ! c> & !y sat !re conv]s+ 9 l[ tones 9 ,spani%1 :ile ,i wat*$ !m furtively4 ,( a sudd51 ,i became aw>e t ,i miss$ ! s\nd ( ,lockwood beat+ ab\t ! "u-bru%4 ,i call$1 b !re 0 no answ]4 ,!n we all call$4 ,!re came back no?+ b a mock+ e*o4 ,i c\ld n foll[ him4 ,if ,i did1 ,i w\ld lose ! de ,mo*es4 ,_h he be5 lay+ l[1 wait+ 8 opportunity to get away8 ,or 0 he play+ a lone h&8 ,mu* z ,i suspect$ ab\t him1 dur+ ! pa/ few h\rs ,i _h come to admire him4 ,i s5t ! de ,mo*e driv] out to look = him1 b he seem$ afraid to v5ture f>1 &1 ( c\rse1 return$ & said t he c\ld n f9d him4 ,ev5 9 8 getaway1 ,lockwood _h be5 *>act]i/ic4 ,he _h be5 /rong en\gh to bide 8 "t1 clev] en\gh to ?r[ e "o (f gu>d4 ,x put a new aspect on ! case = me4 ,_h ,:itney int5d$ ! capture ( ,inez = ,lockwood8 ,_h our com+ s unexpect$ly into ! case ?r[n ! plans awry & 0 x ! purpose to leave !m m>oon$ at ,rockl$ge :ile we 7 %unt$ (f 9 ! city8 ,t1 too1 0 plausible4 ,i wi%$ ,k5n$y w\ld return be=e any?+ else happ5$4 ,x 0 n long by ! clock be=e ,k5n$y did return4 ,b x seem$ ages to me4 ,he 0 n alone4 ,) him 0 a man 9 a uni=m1 & a p[]ful dog1 = all ! _w l a huge wolf4 ,d[n1 ,se>*light1 he ord]$1 z ! dog began to %[ an uncanny int]e/ 9 me4 ,let me introduce my new dog detective1 he *uckl$4 ,%e has a wond]ful record z a police dog4 ,i got ,o',connor out ( b$ & he telephon$ out to ! ne>e/ suburban /ation4 ,t sav$ a good deal ( "t 9 gett+ h] up "h4 ,i mu/]$ up c\rage to tell ,k5n$y ( ! defection ( ,lockwood4 ,he did n seem to m9d x especially4 ,he won't get f>1 ) ! dog aft] him1 if we want to take ! "t1 he said4 ,%e's a ,g]man %eep dog1 a ,s*aef]hund4 ,se>*light seem$ to h _m ( ! *>act]i/ics ( ! wild1 prehi/oric animal1 among !m ! full1 upright e>s ( ! wild dog1 :i* are su* a great help to x4 ,%e 0 a f9e1 al]t1 up/&+ dog1 h>dy1 fi]ce1 & lit]ally untir+1 ( a tawny light br[n l a lioness1 ab\t ! same size & some:at ( ! type ( ! smoo?-coat$ collie1 broad ( *e/ & ) a full bru% ( tail4 ,untam$ z %e seem$1 %e 0 p]fectly "u ,k5n$y's control & r5d]$ him absolute & unreason+ ob$i5ce4 ,!y took h] ov] to ! ab&on$ c>4 ,!re !y let h] get a good :iff ( ! bottom ( ! c> ab\t ! driv]'s feet1 & a mom5t lat] %e />t$ (f4 ,alfonso & 8 "m insi/$ on go+ ) u & t made our progress across c\ntry sl[4 ,on we w5t ov] ! r\gh c\ntry1 ?r\gh a field1 !n skirt+ a clump ( woods until at la/ we came to a lane4 ,we /opp$ 9 ! %ad[ ( a ?icket4 ,!re 0 an empty summ] home4 ,0 !re "s intrud] !re8 ,0 x really empty8 ,n[ & !n we c\ld he> ,se>*light sc\t+ ab\t 9 ! "u-bru%1 cr\*+ & hid+1 wat*+ & gu>d+4 ,we paus$ & wait$ 9 ! heavily-lad5 night air1 wond]+4 ,! s\gh+ ( ! night w9d 9 ! ev]gre5s 0 m\rnful4 ,did x betok5 a fur!r trag$y8 ,!re 0 a slight noise f ! o!r side ( ! h\se4 ,craig rea*$ out & drew u back into ! %ad[ ( ! ?icket1 deep]4 ,"s "o is pr[l+ ab\t1 ,i ?9k4 ,leave x to ! dog4 ,se>*light1 :o _h be5 ne> u1 0 sniff+ eag]ly4 ,f our hid+-place we c\ld j see h]4 ,%e _h he>d ! s\nds1 too1 ev5 be=e we _h1 & = an in/ant /ood ) e muscle t5se4 ,!n1 l an arr[1 %e d>t$ into ! und]bru%4 ,an in/ant lat]1 ! %>p crack ( a revolv] rang out4 ,se>*light kept "r on1 nev] /opp+ a second1 except1 p]haps1 9 surprise4 ,crack6 almo/ 9 h] face came a second spit ( fire 9 ! d>kness1 & a bullet cra%$ ?r\gh ! leaves & buri$ itself 9 a tree ) a p+4 ,! intrud]'s m>ksman%ip 0 poor1 b ! dog paid no att5tion to x4 ,"o ( ! few animals t %[ no fe> ( gun-fire1 mutt]$ ,k5n$y1 9 undisguis$ admiration4 ,g-r-r-r1 we he>d f ! police dog4 ,%e has made a leap at ! h& t holds ! gun1 cri$ ,k5n$y1 n[ ris+ & mov+ rapidly 9 ! same direction4 ,%e has be5 taught t a man once badly bitt5 9 ! h& is ne>ly out ( ! fight4 ,we foll[$ also4 ,z we approa*$ we 7 j 9 "t to see ,se>*light runn+ 9 & out betwe5 ! legs ( a man :o _h he>d u approa* & 0 ha/ily mak+ tracks away4 ,z he tripp$1 ! (fic] :o br\ght h] blew %rilly on a police :i/le j 9 "t to /op a fi]ce lunge at 8 back4 ,reluctantly1 ,se>*light let g4 ,"o c\ld see t ) all h] can9e in/9ct %e want$ to get t man4 ,h] jaws 7 op51 z1 ) long+ eyes1 %e /ood ov] ! pro/rate =m 9 ! grass4 ,! :i/le 0 a signal1 & %e _h be5 taught to obey unque/ion+ly4 ,don't move until we get to y1 or y are a dead man1 %\t$ ,k5n$y1 pull+ an automatic z he ran4 ,are y hurt8 ,!re 0 no answ]1 b1 z we approa*$1 ! man mov$1 ev] s little1 ?r\gh curiosity to see 8 pursu]s4 ,se>*light %ot =w>d4 ,aga9 ! :i/le s\nd$ & %e dropp$ back4 ,we b5t ov] to seize him1 z ,k5n$y secur$ ! dog4 ,%e's a devil1 gr\nd out ! prone figure on ! grass4 ,lockwood6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4 ,,xxv ,,! ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods ,:at are y do+ "h8 dem&$ ,craig1 a/oni%$4 ,i c\ldn't wait = y to get back4 ,i ?\ght ,i'd d a little detective "w on my own acc\nt4 ,i kept gett+ fur!r & fur!r away1 knew y'd f9d me1 anyh[4 ,b ,i didn't ?9k y'd h a brute l t1 he add$1 b9d+ up 8 h& ruefully4 ,is !re any trace ( ,inez8 ,n yet4 ,:y did y pick out ?is h\se8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 /ill suspici\s4 ,i saw a light "h1 ,i ?\ght1 answ]$ ,lockwood frankly4 ,b z ,i approa*$1 x w5t out4 ,maybe ,i imag9$ x4 ,let u see4 ,k5n$y spoke a few words to ! man ) ! dog4 ,he slipp$ ! lea%1 ) a ^w t we did n cat*1 & ! dog b\nd$ (f1 ar\nd ! h\se1 z %e 0 accu/om$ to d :5 out on duty ) an (fic] 9 ! city suburbs1 circl+ ab\t ! backs ( h\ses z ! man on ! beat walk$ ! /reet4 ,%e made noise en\gh ab\t x1 too1 tumbl+ ov] a t9 pail t _h be5 /&+ on ! back por* /eps4 ,bang6 ,"s "o 0 9 ! h\se & 0 arm$4 ,9 ! d>kness he _h n be5 able to tell :e!r an attack 0 be+ made or n1 b _h tak5 no *ances4 ,at any rate1 n[ we knew t he 0 desp]ate4 ,i ?\ght ( all ! me?ods ,k5n$y _h adopt$ to get into h\ses 9 :i* ! inmates 7 desp]ate4 ,b always !y _h be5 ab\t ! city :]e he c\ld call ^u ! seem+ly exhau/less /ore ( app>atus 9 8 laboratory4 ,"h we 7 fac$ by ! proposition ) no?+ to rely on b our native wit & a c\ple ( guns4 ,besides1 ,i did n "k :e!r to c\nt on ,lockwood z an ally or n4 ,my e/imation ( him _h be5 ris+ & fall+ l ! b>omet] 9 a summ] %[]4 ,i _h be5 conv9c$ t he 0 aga9/ u4 ,b 8 mann] & plausibility n[ equally conv9c$ me t ,i _h be5 mi/ak54 ,i felt t x w\ld take "s supreme action on 8 "p to settle ! "q4 ,t crisis 0 com+ n[4 ,i ?9k all ( u w\ld will+ly h pu%$ ,alfonso =w>d4 ,b ! relations ( ! de ,mo*es ) ,:itney _h be5 s close t ,i no m tru/$ him ?an ,i did ,lockwood4 ,& if ,i c\ld n make out ,lockwood1 a man at lea/ ( our own race & education1 h[ c\ld ,i expect to fa?om ,alfonso8 ,x seem$1 !n1 to re/ ) ,k5n$y & myself4 ,at lea/ s ,craig apprais$ ! situation4 ,y h a gun1 ,walt]1 he direct$1 ,lockwood1 give y\rs to ,jameson4 ,lockwood hesitat$4 ,c\ld he tru/ be+ un>m$1 :ile ,k5n$y & ,i _h all ! weapons8 ,craig _h n /opp$ to ask ,alfonso4 ,z he laid out ! attack he m]ely tapp$ ! "y man's pockets to see :e!r he 0 arm$ or n1 & f9d+ no?+ fac$ u aga91 ,lockwood /ill hesitat+4 ,i want ,walt]1 expla9$ ,craig1 to g ar\nd back ( ! h\se4 ,x is !re !y mu/ be expect+ an attack4 ,he c take up 8 position beh9d t oak4 ,x w be safe en\gh4 ,by fir+ "o gun on ea* side ( ! tree he c make en\gh noise = half a doz54 ,!n y & ,i c ru% ! front ( ! h\se4 ,lockwood _h no?+ bett] to sugge/4 ,reluctantly he h&$ ov] 8 revolv]4 ,i dropp$ back f !m & skirt$ ! h\se at a safe di/ance s z n to be se51 !n came up back ( ! tree4 ,c>efully ,i aim$ at ! glass ( a w9d[ on ! fir/ floor1 z (f]+ ! greate/ opportunity = mak+ a racket1 :i* 0 ! object ,i _h 9 m9d4 ,i fir$ f ! "r & ! glass 0 %att]$ 9 a ?\s& bits4 ,ano!r %ot f ! left broke ! light out ( ano!r w9d[ on ! opposite side4 ,! h\se 0 a sort ( bungal[1 ) mo/ ( ! rooms on ! fir/ floor1 & a small second /ory or attic w9d[4 ,t w5t next4 ,altoge!r ,i felt t ,i 0 giv+ a spl5did acc\nt ( myself4 ,f ! h\se came a rapid volley 9 reply4 ,:oev] 0 9 !re 0 n go+ to surr5d] )\t a fight4 ,"o aft] ano!r ,i plugg$ away ) my %ots1 n[ b5t on mak+ ! mo/ ( !m4 ,) ! answ]+ %ots x made q a m]ry little fusillade1 & ,i 0 glad en\gh to h ! %elt] ( ! /aun* oak :i* two or ?ree times 0 hit squ>ely at ab\t ! level ( my %\ld]s4 ,i _h nev] be=e he>d ! :irr ( s _m bullets ab\t me1 & ,i _c say t ,i enjoy$ x4 ,b my attack 0 :at ,craig want$4 ,i he>d a noise 9 ! front ( ! h\se1 z ( feet runn+1 & !n ,i knew t 9 spite ( all he _h giv5 me ! lea/ dang]\s "p ( ! attack4 ,i plugg$ away valiantly ) :at %ots ,i _h left1 !n leav+ j "o m 9 ! *amb] ( ea* gun1 ,i hurri$ ar\nd 9 ! %ad[1 my blood up1 to help !m4 ,) ! aid ( ! (fic]1 !y _h j =c$ ! light door & ,se>*light _h be5 all[$ to leap 9 ahead ( !m1 z ,i came up4 ,"h1 ,i said to ,lockwood1 h&+ him back 8 gun1 take x1 !re is j "o %ot left4 ,i1 at lea/1 _h expect$ to f9d "o1 p]haps two desp]ate m5 wait+ = u4 ,evid5tly our ruse _h work$4 ,! room 0 d>k1 b !re seem$ to be no "o 9 x1 ?\gh we c\ld he> s\nds z ?\gh "s "o 7 ha/ily b>ricad+ ! door t l$ f ! front to ! room at :i* ,i _h be5 fir+4 ,lockwood /ruck a mat*4 ,conf\nd x1 don't6 mutt]$ ,craig1 knock+ x f 8 h&4 ,!y c see u well en\gh )\t help+ !m4 ,*e/]6 ,we /ood transfix$4 ,x 0 a woman's voice4 ,:]e did x come f8 ,c\ld %e be 9 ! room8 ,*e/]--is t y8 ,yes1 ,inez4 ,:]e are y8 ,i ran up "h--9 ?is attic--:5 ,i he>d ! %ots4 ,come d[n1 !n4 ,all is "r1 n[4 ,%e came d[n a half ladd]1 half flight ( /eps4 ,at ! foot %e paus$ j a mom5t & hesitat$4 ,!n1 l a fright5$ bird1 %e flew to ! safety ( ,lockwood's arms4 ,mr4 ,:itney1 %e sobb$1 call$ me up & told me t he _h some?+ v important to say1 a message f y4 ,he said t he _h ! dagg]1 9 8 safe1 up 9 ! c\ntry4 ,he told me y'd be !re & t y expect$ me to come up ) him 9 8 c>4 ,i w5t4 ,we _h "s tr\ble ) ! eng9e4 ,& !n t o!r c>--! "o t foll[$ u1 came up beh9d & =c$ u (f ! bank4 ,mr4 ,:itney & ,i 7 bo? /unn$4 ,i don't rememb] a ?+ aft] t1 until ,i woke up "h4 ,:]e is x8 ,i li/5$1 ) "o eye on t door t _h be5 b>ricad$4 ,0 ,lockwood really innoc5t1 aft] all8 ,i c\ld n ?9k t ,inez ,m5doza c\ld make su* a mi/ake1 if he 7 n4 ,lockwood cl5*$ 8 fi/s4 ,"s "o %all pay = ?is1 he exclaim$4 ,!re 0 ! problem--! inn] room4 ,:o w\ld g 98 ,we look$ at ea* o!r a mom5t4 ,! room 9 :i* we 7 0 a liv+ room1 & p]haps1 :5 !re 7 visitors 9 ! little h\se1 0 a gue/-room4 ,at any rate1 on "o side 0 a huge dav5port by day :i* c\ld be trans=m$ into a fold+ b$ at night4 ,lockwood look$ ab\t ha/ily & 8 eye fell on ! door1 !n on ?is fold+ b$4 ,) a wr5*1 he op5$ x & seiz$ ! cotton mattress f ! inside4 ,) 8 gun ready he advanc$ t[>d ! b>ricad$ door1 hold+ ! mattress z a %ield1 = 8 exp]i5ce 9 wild c\ntries _h taught him t a cotton mattress is ab\t z good a ?+ to /op bullets z "o c\ld f9d on ! spur ( ! mom5t4 ,k5n$y & ! (fic] foll[$ j beh9d1 & ! ?ree ?rew _! weights on ! door almo/ be=e we knew :at !y 7 ab\t4 ,*e/]--don't6 cri$ ,inez 9 al>m1 too late4 ,he'll--kill y6 ,! excitem5t _h be5 too mu* = h]4 ,%e reel$1 fa9t+1 & ,i caught h]4 ,be=e ,i c\ld re/ore ! dav5port to some?+ l its orig9al condition s t we c\ld take c>e ( h]1 ! fir/ onslaught 0 ov]4 ,?ree guns 7 /ick+ _! blue noses into ! d>kness ( ! next room4 ,h&s up6 %\t$ ,craig1 ,drop y\r gun6 ,let me he> x fall6 ,!re foll[$ a ?ud & ,k5n$y1 foll[$ by ,lockwood & ! (fic] ent]$4 ,z !y fumbl$ to /rike a light1 ,i manag$ to op5 a w9d[ & let 9 "s fre% air1 :ile ! ,s5ora1 = once human1 loos5$ ! ?roat ( ,inez' dress & fann$ h]4 ,?r\gh ! op5 door1 n[1 ,i c\ld he> :at 0 go+ on 9 ! next room1 b c\ld n see4 ,x 0 y1 ,lockwood1 ,i he>d a famili> voice accus+1 :o 0 9 ! ,museum ! night ! dagg] disappe>$4 ,yes1 repli$ ,lockwood1 a bit disda9fully4 ,i suspect$ some?+ crook$ ab\t t dagg]4 ,i ?\ght t if ,i made a copy ( ! inscription on ! blade1 ,i might deciph] x myself1 or get "s "o to d x = me4 ,i w5t 9 &1 :5 a *ance came1 ,i hid 9 ! s>cophagus4 ,!re ,i wait$ until ! ,museum 0 clos$4 ,!n1 :5 f9ally ,i got to ! place :]e ,i ?\ght ! dagg] 0--x 0 gone6 ,! po9t is1 cut 9 ,craig1 int]rupt+1 :o 0 ! my/]i\s visitor to ,m5doza ! night ( 8 murd]8 ,he paus$4 ,no "o seem$ to be dispos$ to answ] & he w5t on1 ,:o else ?an ! man :o s\ght to sell ! secret on its blade1 9 return = ,inez = :om he _h a secret passion8 ,i h reason$ x all out--! (f]1 ! qu>rel1 ! /abb+ ) ! dagg] itself1 & ! escape d[n ! /airs1 in/ead ( by ! elevator4 ,& ,i1 put 9 ,lockwood1 com+ to report to ,m5doza my failure to f9d ! dagg]1 f\nd him dead--& at once 0 suspect$ ( be+ ! murd]]6 ,inez _h reviv$ & h] quick e>s _h caught h] lov]'s voice & ! la/ words4 ,weak z %e 01 %e sprang up & fairly ran into ! next room4 ,no--,*e/]--,no6 %e cri$4 ,i nev] suspect$--n ev5 :5 ,i saw ! %oe-pr9ts4 ,no--t is ! man1--!re--,i "k x--,i "k x6 ,i hurri$ aft] h]1 z %e flung h]self aga9 betwe5 ,lockwood & ! re/ ( u1 z if to %ield him1 :ile ,lockwood pr\dly c>ess$ ! /ray locks ( d>k hair t flutt]$ on 8 %\ld]4 ,i look$ 9 ! direction all 7 look+4 ,be=e u /ood1 unmask$ at la/1 ! sci5tific villa9 :o _h be5 plott+ & s*em+ to capture bo? ! secret & ,inez--well kn[+ t suspicion w\ld re/ ei!r on ,lockwood1 ! soldi] ( =tune1 or on ! jeal\s ,indian woman ^: son _h be5 reject$ & ^: bro!r he _h himself already1 secretly1 driv5 to an insane suicide 9 8 unscrupul\s se>* = ! treasure ( ,truxillo4 ,x 0 ,pr(essor ,norton1 himself--fir/ ?ief ( ! dagg] :i* lat] he _h hidd5 b :i* ,:itney's detectives _h /ol5 9 turn f him2 writ] ( anonym\s lett]s1 ev5 to himself to ?r[ o!rs (f ! trail2 mak] ( /ramonium cig>ettes ) :i* to confuse ! m9ds ( 8 oppon5ts1 ,:itney1 ,m5doza1 & ! re/2 secret lov] ( ,inez :om he dem&$ z ! price ( ! dagg]2 & murd]] ( ,don ,luis4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e & ,alfonso1 beh9d me1 c\ld only gasp _! a/oni%m5t4 ,mu* z %e w\ld h lik$ to h ! affair end 9 a g5]al v9dication ( ! curse %e c\ld n control a s+le1 triumphant ?ru/4 ,8 blood1 %e cri$1 transfix+ ,norton ) h] /]n eyes1 has cri$ out ( ,titicaca = v5geance f t day to ?is6 ,want any help8 ,we all turn$ t[>d ! door z ,burke1 du/-cov]$ & tir$1 /amp$ 91 foll[$ by a man ^: face 0 b&ag$ & bloody4 ,i he>d %ots4 ,is x all ov]8 ,b we paid no att5tion to ,burke4 ,!re 0 ,:itney1 consid]ably bang$ up by ! fall1 b lucky to be alive4 ,i tri$ to %ake him1 he expla9$1 cat*+ sight ( ,norton4 ,b he /uck to u1 ev5 on our det\rs4 ,f9ally he grew desp]ate--=c$ my c> (f ! road4 ,:at happ5$ aft] t1 ,i don't "k4 ,he mu/ h c>ri$ me "s miles1 ins5sible1 & dump$ me 9 ! bu%es aga94 ,i 0 sev]al miles up ! hill1 tramp+ along1 look+ = a road-h\se1 :5 ?is g5tleman f\nd me & said ,i _h gone too f>4 ,s5ora de ,mo*e turn$ f ,lockwood & ,inez :o 7 /&+1 oblivi\s to ! re/ ( u1 & />$ at ,:itney's bruis$ & batt]$ face4 ,x is ! curse1 %e mutt]$4 ,x w nev]-- ,j a mom5t1 int]rupt$ ,craig1 draw+ ! dagg] f 8 pocket1 & turn+ t[>d ,inez4 ,x 0 to y\r ance/or t ! orig9al possessor ( ! secret promis$ to give ! 'big fi%1' :5 he 0 kill$4 ,he paus$ & h&$ ! dagg] to h]4 ,%e t\*$ x %udd]+1 b z ?\gh x 7 a duty4 ,take x1 he said simply4 ,! secret is y\rs4 ,only love c de/roy ! curse on ! ,gold ( ! ,gods4 ,,! ,,end