,,! ,,craig ,,k5n$y ,,s]ies ,,! ,,exploits ,,( ,,ela9e ,,by ,,ar?ur ,b4 ,,reeve ,,cont5ts ,,*apt] ,i ,,! ,,clut*+ ,,h& ,,ii ,,! ,,twilight ,,sleep ,,iii ,,! ,,vani%+ ,,jewels ,,iv ,,! ,,froz5 ,,safe ,v ,,! ,,poison$ ,,room ,,vi ,,! ,,vampire ,,vii ,,! ,,d\ble ,,trap ,,viii ,,! ,,hidd5 ,,voice ,,ix ,,! ,,dea? ,,ray ,x ,,! ,,life ,,curr5t ,,xi ,,! ,,h\r ,,( ,,?ree ,,xii ,,! ,,blood ,,cry/als ,,xiii ,,! ,,devil ,,wor%ipp]s ,,xiv ,,! ,,reckon+ ,,! ,,exploits ,,( ,,ela9e ,,*apt] ,i ,,! ,,clut*+ ,,h& ,jameson1 "h's a /ory ,i wi% y'd foll[ up1 rem>k$ ! manag+ editor ( ! ,/> to me "o ev5+ aft] ,i _h turn$ 9 an assignm5t ( ! late aft]noon4 ,he h&$ me a clipp+ f ! ev5+ edition ( ! ,/> & ,i quickly ran my eye ov] ! headl9e3 ,,! ,,clut*+ ,,h& ,,w9s ,,aga9 ,,new ,,york',s ,,my/]i\s ,,ma/] ,,crim9al ,,p]fects ,,ano!r ,,c\p ,,city ,,police ,,completely ,,baffl$ ,"h's ?is murd] ( ,flet*]1 ! retir$ bank] & tru/ee ( ! ,univ]sity1 he expla9$4 ,n a clue--except a w>n+ lett] sign$ ) ?is my/]i\s clut*+ fi/4 ,la/ week x 0 ! robb]y ( ! ,haxwor? jewels & ! kill+ ( old ,haxwor?4 ,aga9 t curi\s sign ( ! h&4 ,!n !re 0 ! da/>dly attempt on ,%]burne1 ! /eel magnate4 ,n a trace ( ! assailant except ?is same clut*+ fi/4 ,s x has gone1 ,jameson--! mo/ al>m+ & mo/ inexplicable s]ies ( murd]s t has ev] happ5$ 9 ?is c\ntry4 ,& no?+ b ?is uncanny h& to trace !m by4 ,! editor paus$ a mom5t1 !n exclaim$1 ,:y1 ?is fell[ seems to take a diabolical--,i might almo/ say pa?ological--pleasure 9 crimes ( viol5ce1 rev5ge1 av>ice & self-protection4 ,sometimes x seems z if he delights 9 ! pure deviltry ( ! ?+4 ,x is weird4 ,he lean$ ov] & spoke 9 a l[1 t5se tone4 ,/range/ ( all1 ! tip has j come to u t ,flet*]1 ,haxwor?1 ,%]burne & all ! re/ ( ^? weal?y m5 7 insur$ 9 ! ,consolidat$ ,mutual ,life4 ,n[1 ,jameson1 ,i want y to f9d ,taylor ,dodge1 ! presid5t1 & int]view him4 ,get :at y c1 at any co/4 ,i _h naturally ?\ght fir/ ( ,k5n$y1 b !re 0 no "t n[ to call him up &1 besides1 ,i mu/ see ,dodge imm$iately4 ,dodge1 ,i discov]$ ov] ! telephone1 0 n at home1 nor at any ( ! clubs to :i* he belong$4 ,late ?\gh x 0 ,i conclud$ t he 0 at 8 (fice4 ,no am\nt ( p]suasion c\ld get me pa/ ! door1 &1 ?\gh ,i f\nd out lat] & %all tell soon :at 0 go+ on !re1 ,i det]m9$1 ab\t n9e o'clock1 t ! be/ way to get at ,dodge 0 to g to 8 h\se on ,fif? ,av5ue1 if ,i _h to camp on 8 front door/ep until morn+4 ,! h>d] ,i f\nd ! /ory to get1 ! m ,i want$ x4 ,) "s misgiv+s ab\t be+ admitt$1 ,i rang ! bell ( ! spl5did1 ?\gh n v mod]n1 ,dodge resid5ce4 ,an ,engli% butl]1 ) a nose t mu/ h be5 8 =tune1 op5$ ! door & gravely in=m$ me t ,mr4 ,dodge 0 n at home1 b 0 expect$ at any mom5t4 ,once 91 ,i 0 n go+ lightly to give up t advantage4 ,i be?\ght myself ( 8 daught]1 ,ela9e1 "o ( ! mo/ popul> debutantes ( ! season1 & s5t 9 my c>d to h]1 on a *ance ( int]e/+ h] & see+ h] fa!r1 writ+ on ! bottom ( ! c>d3 ,w\ld l to int]view ,mr4 ,dodge reg>d+ ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,summon+ up :at assurance ,i _h1 :i* is sometimes consid]able1 ,i foll[$ ! butl] d[n ! hall z he bore my c>d4 ,z he op5$ ! door ( ! draw+ room ,i caught a vision ( a slip ( a girl1 9 an ev5+ g[n4 ,ela9e ,dodge 0 bo? ! +5ue & ! a?lete--! ?or\ghly mod]n type ( girl--equally at home ) t5nis & tango1 table talk & tea4 ,vivaci\s eyes t h9t$ at a /unn+ amb] br[n sp>kl$ b5ea? masses ( ! mo/ wond]ful auburn hair4 ,h] pe>ly tee?1 :5 %e smil$1 7 m>vell\s4 ,& %e smil$ (t51 = life to h] seem$ a cont9u\s film ( enjoym5t4 ,ne> h] ,i recogniz$ f 8 pictures1 ,p]ry ,b5nett1 ! ris+ "y corporation lawy]1 a mighty good look+ fell[1 ) an affable1 pleas+ way ab\t him1 p]haps ?irty-five ye>s old or s1 b already prom95t & q fri5dly ) ,dodge4 ,on a table ,i saw a book1 z ?\gh ,ela9e _h ca/ x d[n :5 ! lawy] arriv$ to call on ! daught] "u pret5se ( wait+ = h] fa!r4 ,crumpl$ on ! table 0 ! ,/>4 ,!y _h read ! /ory4 ,:o is x1 ,j5n+s8 %e ask$4 ,a report]1 ,miss ,dodge1 answ]$ ! butl] glanc+ sup]cili\sly back at me1 & y "k h[ y\r fa!r dislikes to see anyone "h at ! h\se1 he add$ def]5tially to h]4 ,i took 9 ! situation at a glance4 ,b5nett 0 try+ n to look disc\rte\s1 b ?is 0 a call on ,ela9e & x _h be5 int]rupt$4 ,i c\ld expect no help f t qu>t]4 ,/ill1 ,i fanci$ t ,ela9e 0 n av]se to try+ to pique h] visitor & det]m9$ at lea/ to try x4 ,miss ,dodge1 ,i plead$1 b[+ z if ,i _h kn[n !m all my life1 ,i've be5 try+ to f9d y\r fa!r all ! ev5+4 ,x's v important4 ,%e look$ up at me surpris$ & 9 d\bt :e!r to laugh or /amp h] pretty little foot 9 indignation at my /up5d\s n]ve4 ,%e laugh$4 ,y are a v brave "y man1 %e repli$ ) a rogui% look at ,b5nett's discomfiture ov] ! int]ruption ( ! tete-a-tete4 ,!re 0 a note ( s]i\sness 9 x1 too1 t made me ask quickly1 ,:y8 ,! smile flitt$ f h] face & 9 its place came a frank e>ne/ expression :i* ,i lat] le>n$ to l & respect v mu*4 ,my fa!r has decl>$ he w eat ! v next report] :o tries to int]view him "h1 %e answ]$4 ,i 0 ab\t to prolong ! wait+ "t by "s jolly ab\t su* a /unn+ girl n hav+ by any possibility su* a cannibal ( a p>5t1 :5 ! rattle ( ! *ang+ ge>s ( a c> outside told ( ! approa* ( a lim\s9e4 ,! big front door op5$ & ,ela9e flung h]self 9 ! arms ( an eld]ly1 /]n-fac$1 gray-hair$ man4 ,:y1 ,dad1 %e cri$1 :]e h y be58 ,i miss$ y s mu* at d9n]4 ,i'll be s glad :5 ?is t]rible bus9ess gets cle>$ up4 ,tell--me4 ,:at is on y\r m9d8 ,:at is x t worries y n[8 ,i notic$ !n t ,dodge seem$ wr\ght-up & a bit unn]v$1 = he sank r heavily into a *air1 bru%$ 8 face ) 8 h&k]*ief & brea!d heavily4 ,ela9e hov]$ ov] him solicit\sly1 repeat+ h] "q4 ,) a mighty ef=t he seem$ to get himself toge!r4 ,he rose & turn$ to ,b5nett4 ,p]ry1 he exclaim$1 ,i've got ! ,clut*+ ,h&6 ,! two m5 />$ at ea* o!r4 ,yes1 cont9u$ ,dodge1 ,i've j f\nd out h[ to trace x1 & tomorr[ ,i am go+ to set ! al>ms ( ! city at re/ by expos+-- ,j !n ,dodge caught sight ( me4 ,= ! mom5t ,i ?\ght p]haps he 0 go+ to fulfill 8 ?reat4 ,:o ! devil--:y didn't y tell me a report] 0 "h1 ,j5n+s8 he sputt]$ indignantly1 po9t+ t[>d ! door4 ,argum5t1 entreaty 7 ( no avail4 ,he /amp$ cru/ily into ! libr>y1 tak+ ,b5nett ) him & leav+ me ) ,ela9e4 ,inside ,i c\ld he> !m talk+1 & manag$ to cat* en\gh to piece toge!r ! /ory4 ,i want$ to /ay1 b ,ela9e1 smil+ at my en?usiasm1 %ook h] head & held out h] h& 9 "o ( h] frank1 /raight-arm h& %akes4 ,!re 0 no?+ to d b g4 ,at lea/1 ,i reflect$1 ,i _h ! great] "p ( ! /ory--all except ! "o big ?+1 h[ev]1--! "n ( ! crim9al4 ,b ,dodge w\ld "k him tomorr[6 ,i hurri$ back to ! ,/> to write my /ory 9 "t to cat* ! la/ morn+ edition4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 if ,i may anticipate my /ory1 ,i mu/ tell ( :at we lat] le>n$ _h happ5$ to ,dodge s completely to upset him4 ,ev] s9ce ! ,consolidat$ ,mutual _h be5 hit by ! murd]s1 he _h _h _m l9es out 9 ! hope ( enme%+ ! p]petrator4 ,t night1 z ,i f\nd out ! next day1 he _h at la/ he>d ( a clue4 ,"o ( ! company's detectives _h br\ght 9 a r$-head$1 lame1 p>tly p>alyz$ crook :o enjoy$ ! expressive monnik] ( ,limpy ,r$4 ,limpy ,r$ 0 a gunman ( "s r5[n1 evil fac$ & hav+ no?+ mu* to lose1 desp]ate4 ,:oev] ! ma/] crim9al ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& might h be5 he _h se5 fit to employ ,limpy b _h n tak5 ! precaution ( gett+ rid ( him soon en\gh :5 he 0 ?r\gh4 ,:]e=e ,limpy _h a grievance & n[ desc5d$ "u pressure to ! l[ level ( snit*+ to ,dodge 9 8 (fice4 ,no1 ,gov]nor1 ! trembl+ wret* _h said z he h&$ ov] a grimy envelope1 ,i a9't nev] se5 8 face--b "h is directions h[ to f9d 8 hang-out4 ,z ,limpy ambl$ out1 he turn$ to ,dodge1 quiv]+ at ! enormity ( 8 unp>donable s9 9 gang-l&1 ,= ,god's sake1 ,gov]nor1 he implor$1 don't let on h[ y f\nd out6 ,& yet ,limpy ,r$ _h sc>cely left ) 8 promise n to tell1 :5 ,dodge1 happ5+ to turn ov] "s pap]s came ^u an envelope left on 8 own desk1 be>+ t my/]i\s ,clut*+ ,h&6 ,he tore x op51 & read 9 amazem5t3 ,de/roy ,limpy ,r$'s in/ructions )9 ! next h\r4 ,dodge gaz$ ab\t 9 wond]4 ,?is ?+ 0 gett+ on 8 n]ves4 ,he det]m9$ to g home & re/4 ,outside ! h\se1 z he left 8 c>1 pa/$ ov] ! monogram on ! door1 he _h f\nd ano!r note1 ) ! same weird m>k & ! s+le ^w3 ,rememb]6 ,mu* ( ?is ,i _h already ga!r$ f :at ,i ov]he>d ,dodge tell+ ,b5nett z !y ent]$ ! libr>y4 ,"s1 also1 ,i h piec$ toge!r f ! /ory ( a s]vant :o ov]he>d4 ,at any rate1 9 spite ( ! plead+s ( "y ,b5nett1 ,dodge refus$ to take w>n+4 ,9 ! safe 9 8 beautifully fitt$ libr>y he deposit$ ,limpy's docum5t 9 an envelope conta9+ all ! correspond5ce t _h lead up to ! f9al /ep 9 ! discov]y4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 late 9 ! ev5+ :5 ,i return$ to our ap>tm5t &1 n f9d+ ,k5n$y !re1 knew t ,i w\ld discov] him at ! laboratory4 ,craig1 ,i cri$ z ,i bur/ 9 on him1 ,i've got a case = y--great] ?an any ev] be=e6 ,k5n$y look$ up calmly f ! rack ( sci5tific in/rum5ts t surr\nd$ him1 te/ tubes1 beak]s1 c>efully labell$ bottles4 ,he _h be5 exam9+ a piece ( clo? & _h laid x aside 9 disappo9tm5t ne> 8 magnify+ glass4 ,j n[ he 0 wat*+ a reaction 9 a s]ies ( te/ tubes /&+ on 8 table4 ,he 0 look+ deject$ly at ! floor z ,i came 94 ,inde$8 he rem>k$ coolly go+ back to ! reaction4 ,yes1 ,i cri$4 ,x is a sci5tific crim9al :o seems to leave no clues4 ,k5n$y look$ up gravely4 ,e crim9al leaves a trace1 he said quietly4 ,if x hasn't be5 f\nd1 !n x mu/ be because no "o has ev] look$ = x 9 ! "r way4 ,/ill gaz+ at me ke5ly1 he add$1 ,yes1 ,i already knew !re 0 su* a man at l>ge4 ,i h be5 call$ 9 on t ,flet*] case--he 0 a tru/ee ( ! ,univ]sity1 y "k4 ,all "r1 ,i exclaim$1 a little nettl$ t he %\ld h anticipat$ me ev5 s mu* 9 ! case4 ,b y hav5't he>d ! late/4 ,:at is x8 he ask$ ) provok+ calmness1 ,taylor ,dodge1 ,i blurt$ out1 has ! clue4 ,to-morr[ he w track d[n ! man6 ,k5n$y fairly jump$ z ,i repeat$ ! news4 ,h[ long has he kn[n8 he dem&$ eag]ly4 ,p]haps ?ree or f\r h\rs1 ,i haz>d$4 ,k5n$y gaz$ at me fix$ly4 ,!n ,taylor ,dodge is dead6 he exclaim$1 ?r[+ (f 8 acid-/a9$ laboratory smock & hurry+ into 8 /reet clo!s4 ,impossible6 ,i ejaculat$4 ,k5n$y paid no att5tion to ! objection4 ,come1 ,walt]1 he urg$4 ,we mu/ hurry1 be=e ! trail gets cold4 ,!re 0 some?+ positively uncanny ab\t ,k5n$y's assurance4 ,i d\bt$--yet ,i fe>$4 ,x 0 well pa/ ! middle ( ! night :5 we pull$ up 9 a night-hawk taxicab be=e ! ,dodge h\se1 m\nt$ ! /eps & rang ! bell4 ,j5n+s answ]$ sleepily1 b n s mu* s t he did n recognize me4 ,he 0 ab\t to bang ! door %ut :5 ,k5n$y int]pos$ 8 foot4 ,:]e is ,mr4 ,dodge8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,is he all "r8 ,( c\rse he is--9 b$1 repli$ ! butl]4 ,j !n we he>d a fa9t cry1 l no?+ exactly human4 ,or 0 x our height5$ imag9ations1 "u ! spell ( ! d>kness8 ,li/56 caution$ ,k5n$y4 ,we did1 /&+ !re n[ 9 ! hall4 ,k5n$y 0 ! only "o ( u :o 0 cool4 ,j5n+s' face blan*$1 !n he turn$ trembl+ly & w5t d[n to ! libr>y door :5ce ! s\nds _h seem$ to come4 ,he call$ b !re 0 no answ]4 ,he turn$ ! knob & op5$ ! door4 ,! ,dodge libr>y 0 a l>ge room4 ,9 ! c5t] /ood a big flat-topp$ desk ( heavy mahogany4 ,x 0 brilliantly light$4 ,at "o end ( ! desk 0 a telephone4 ,taylor ,dodge 0 ly+ on ! floor at t end ( ! desk--p]fectly rigid--8 face di/ort$--a gha/ly figure4 ,a pet dog ran ov]1 sniff$ frantically at 8 ma/]'s legs & sudd5ly began to h[l dismally4 ,dodge 0 dead6 ,help6 %\t$ ,j5n+s4 ,o!rs ( ! s]vants came ru%+ 94 ,!re 0 = ! mom5t ! greate/ excitem5t & confusion4 ,sudd5ly a wild figure 9 fly+ g>m5ts flitt$ d[n ! /airs & into ! libr>y1 dropp+ beside ! dead man1 )\t seem+ to notice u at all4 ,fa!r6 %riek$ a woman's voice1 he>t brok54 ,fa!r6 ,oh--my ,god--he--he is dead6 ,x 0 ,ela9e ,dodge4 ,) a mighty ef=t1 ! h]oic girl seem$ to pull h]self toge!r4 ,j5n+s1 %e cri$1 ,call ,mr4 ,b5nett--imm$iately6 ,f ! "o-sid$1 excit$ conv]sation ( ! butl] ov] ! telephone1 ,i ga!r$ t ,b5nett _h be5 9 ! process ( disrob+ 9 8 own ap>tm5t upt[n & w\ld be "r d[n4 ,toge!r1 ,k5n$y1 ,ela9e & myself lift$ ,dodge to a s(a & ,ela9e's aunt1 ,joseph9e1 ) :om %e liv$1 appe>$ on ! sc5e1 try+ to quiet ! sobb+ girl4 ,k5n$y & ,i )drew a little way & he look$ ab\t curi\sly4 ,:at 0 x8 ,i :isp]$4 ,0 x natural1 an accid5t1 or--or murd]8 ,! ^w seem$ to /ick 9 my ?roat4 ,if x 0 a murd]1 :at 0 ! motive8 ,c\ld x h be5 to get ! evid5ce :i* ,dodge _h t w\ld incrim9ate ! ma/] crim9al8 ,k5n$y mov$ ov] quietly & exam9$ ! body ( ,dodge4 ,:5 he rose1 8 face _h a peculi> look4 ,t]rible6 he :isp]$ to me4 ,app>5tly he _h be5 work+ at 8 accu/om$ place at ! desk :5 ! telephone rang4 ,he rose & cross$ ov] to x4 ,see6 ,t br\ght 8 feet on ?is regi/] let into ! floor4 ,z he took ! telephone receiv] d[n a fla% ( light mu/ h %ot f x to 8 e>4 ,x %[s ! *>act]i/ic electric burn4 ,! motive8 ,i qu]i$4 ,evid5tly 8 pockets _h be5 gone ?r\gh1 ?\gh none ( ! valuables 7 miss+4 ,?+s on 8 desk %[ t a ha/y se>* has be5 made4 ,j !n ! door op5$ & ,b5nett bur/ 94 ,z he /ood ov] ! body1 gaz+ d[n at x1 repress+ ! emotions ( a /rong man1 he turn$ to ,ela9e & 9 a l[ voice1 exclaim$1 ,! ,clut*+ ,h& did ?is6 ,i %all consecrate my life to br+ ?is man to ju/ice6 ,he spoke t5sely & ,ela9e1 look+ up into 8 face1 z if implor+ 8 help 9 h] h\r ( ne$1 unable to speak1 m]ely grasp$ 8 h&4 ,k5n$y1 :o 9 ! meantime _h /ood ap>t f ! re/ ( u1 0 exam9+ ! telephone c>efully4 ,a clev] crook1 ,i he>d him mutt] betwe5 8 tee?4 ,he mu/ h worn gloves4 ,n a f+] pr9t--at lea/ "h4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,p]haps ,i c d no bett] ?an to recon/ruct ! crime z ,k5n$y lat] piec$ ^! />tl+ ev5ts toge!r4 ,long aft] ,i _h left & ev5 aft] ,b5nett left1 ,dodge cont9u$ work+ 9 8 libr>y1 = he 0 kn[n z a prodigi\s work]4 ,_h he tak5 ! tr\ble1 h[ev]1 to pause & pe] out into ! moonlight t flood$ ! back ( 8 h\se1 he might h se5 ! figures ( two /eal?y crooks cr\*+ 9 ! half %ad[s ( "o ( ! cell> w9d[s4 ,"o crook 0 mask$ by a h&k]*ief drawn tightly ab\t 8 l[] face1 leav+ only 8 eyes visible b5ea? ! cap ) visor pull$ d[n ov] 8 =ehead4 ,he _h a peculi> /oop ( ! %\ld]s & wore 8 coat coll> turn$ up4 ,"o h&1 ! "r1 seem$ almo/ de=m$4 ,x 0 t :i* gave him 8 "n 9 ! und]world--! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,! mask$ crook held c>efully ! ends ( two wires atta*$ to an electric fe$1 & s5d+ 8 pal to keep wat* outside1 he ent]$ ! cell> ( ! ,dodge h\se ?r\gh a w9d[ ^: pane !y _h c>efully remov$4 ,z he came ?r\gh ! w9d[ he dragg$ ! wires ) him1 &1 alt] a mom5t's reconnoit]+ atta*$ !m to ! furnace pipe ( ! old-fa%ion$ hot-air heat] :]e ! pipe ran up ?r\gh ! floor to ! libr>y above4 ,! o!r wire 0 quickly atta*$ to ! telephone :]e its wires ent]$4 ,up/airs1 ,dodge1 evid5tly uneasy 9 8 m9d ab\t ! preci\s ,limpy ,r$ lett]1 took x f ! safe along ) mo/ ( ! o!r correspond5ce &1 press+ a hidd5 spr+ 9 ! wall1 op5$ a secret panel1 plac$ mo/ ( ! important docum5ts 9 ?is hid+ place4 ,!n he put "s blank %eets ( pap] 9 an envelope & return$ x to ! safe4 ,d[n/airs ! mask$ ma/] crim9al _h already atta*$ a voltmet] to ! wires he _h in/all$1 wait+4 ,j !n c\ld be he>d ! t9kle ( ,dodge's telephone & ! old man rose to answ] x4 ,z he did s he plac$ 8 foot on ! iron regi/]1 8 h& tak+ ! telephone & ! receiv]4 ,at t in/ant came a p[]ful electric fla%4 ,dodge sank on ! floor grasp+ ! in/rum5t1 electrocut$4 ,bel[1 ! ma/] crim9al c\ld sc>cely refra9 f exclaim+ ) satisfaction z 8 voltmet] regi/]$ ! p[]ful curr5t t 0 pass+4 ,a mom5t lat] ! crim9al slid sil5tly into ,dodge's room4 ,c>efully putt+ on rubb] gloves & avoid+ t\*+ ! regi/]1 he wr5*$ ! telephone f ! grasp ( ! dead man1 replac+ x 9 its normal position4 ,only = a second did he pause to look at 8 victim z he de/roy$ ! evid5ce ( 8 "w4 ,m9utes 7 preci\s4 ,fir/ ,dodge's pockets1 !n 8 desk engag$ 8 att5tion4 ,!re 0 left ! safe4 ,z he approa*$ ! /rong box1 ! ma/] crim9al took two vials f 8 pockets4 ,remov+ a bu/ ( ,%akespe>e t /ood on ! safe1 he p\r$ ! cont5ts ( ! vials 9 two mix$ masses ( p[d] =m+ a heap on ! safe1 into :i* he ins]t$ two magnesium wires4 ,he light$ !m1 sprang back1 hid+ 8 eyes f ! light1 & a bl9d+ gu% ( flame1 la/+ p]haps t5 seconds1 p\r$ out f ! top ( ! safe4 ,x 0 n an explosion1 b j a dazzl+1 int5se flame t sizzl$ & crackl$4 ,x seem$ impossible1 b ! gl[+ mass 0 lit]ally s9k+1 s9k+ d[n into ! cold /eel4 ,at la/ x burn$ ?r\gh--z if ! safe _h be5 ( t9d]6 ,)\t wait+ a mom5t long] ?an necess>y1 ! mask$ crim9al advanc$ aga9 & actually put 8 h& d[n ?r\gh ! top ( ! safe1 pull+ out a bun* ( pap]s4 ,quickly he ?ru/ !m all1 ) j a glance1 into 8 pocket4 ,/ill work+ quickly1 he took ! bu/ ( ! great dramati/ :i* he _h remov$ & plac$ x "u ! light4 ,next f 8 pocket he drew two curi\s /5cils1 z x 71 :i* he _h app>5tly c>efully prep>$4 ,) 8 h&s1 /ill c>efully glov$1 he rubb$ ! /5cils on 8 hair1 z if to cov] !m ) a film ( natural oils4 ,!n he delib]ately press$ !m ov] ! /atue 9 sev]al places4 ,x 0 a peculi> action & he seem$ to fairly gloat ov] x :5 x 0 done1 & ! bu/ return$ to its place1 cov]+ ! hole4 ,z noiselessly z he _h come1 he made 8 exit aft] "o la/ malignant look at ,dodge4 ,x 0 n[ b ! "w ( a mom5t to remove ! wires he _h plac$1 & climb out ( ! w9d[1 tak+ !m & de/roy+ ! evid5ce d[n 9 ! cell>4 ,a l[ :i/le f ! mask$ crook1 n[ aga9 9 ! %ad[1 br\ght 8 pal /eal?ily to 8 side4 ,x's all "r1 he :isp]$ ho>sely to ! man4 ,n[1 y att5d to ,limpy ,r$4 ,! villa9\s look+ pal nodd$ & )\t ano!r ^w ! two made _! getaway1 safely1 9 opposite directions4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:5 ,limpy ,r$1 /ill trembl+1 left ! (fice ( ,dodge e>li] 9 ! ev5+1 he _h repair$ z fa/ z 8 %ambl+ feet w\ld take him to 8 favorite dive ^u ,p>k ,r[4 ,!re he might h be5 se5 dr9k+ ) any "o :o came along1 = ,limpy _h money--blood money1--& ! recollection ( 8 trea*]y & rev5ge mu/ bo? be =gott5 & celebrat$4 ,_h ! ,b[]y s9k]s n got into 8 eyes1 he might h notic$ among ! late revell]s1 a man :o spoke to no "o b took 8 place ne>by at ! b>4 ,limpy _h long s9ce rea*$ ! po9t ( saturation &1 lur*+ =? f 8 new f\nd cronies1 he s\ght o!r fields ( excitem5t4 ,likewise did ! newcom]1 :o bore a /range resemblance to ! look-out :o _h be5 /ation$ outside at ! ,dodge h\se a scant half h\r be=e4 ,:at happ5$ lat] 0 only a matt] ( seconds4 ,x came :5 ! hat$ snit*--= gangdom hates ! in=m] worse ?an any?+ else dead or alive--_h turn$ a suffici5tly d>k & des]t$ corn]4 ,a muffl$ ?ud1 a /ifl$ groan foll[$ z a heavy section ( lead pipe wrapp$ 9 a newspap] desc5d$ on ! crass skull ( ,limpy4 ,! wield] ( ! improvis$ b fatal weapon p]mitt$ himself ! luxury ( an in/ant's cruel smile--!n vani%$ into ! d>kness leav+ ano!r complete job = ! coron] & ! morgue4 ,x 0 ! v5geance ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&--swift1 sure1 remorseless4 ,& yet x _h n be5 a night ( complete success = ! ma/] crim9al1 z anyone might h se5 :o c\ld h foll[$ 8 s9u\s r\te to a place ( great] safety4 ,unable to wait long] he pull$ ! pap]s he _h tak5 f ! safe f 8 pocket4 ,8 *agr9 at f9d+ !m to be blank pap] f\nd only "o expression ( foil$ fury--t m5ac+ clut*+ h&6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y _h turn$ f 8 futile exam9ation = m>ks on ! telephone4 ,!re /ood ! safe1 a mod]ate siz$ /rong box b ( a mod]n type4 ,he tri$ ! door4 ,x 0 lock$4 ,!re 0 n a m>k on x4 ,! comb9ation _h n be5 tamp]$ )4 ,nor _h !re be5 any attempt to s\p ! safe4 ,) a quick motion he felt 9 8 pocket z if look+ = gloves4 ,f9d+ none1 he glanc$ ab\t1 & seiz$ a pair ( tongs f beside ! grate4 ,) !m1 9 ord] n to confuse any possible f+] pr9ts on ! bu/1 he lift$ x (f4 ,i gave a gasp ( surprise4 ,!re1 9 ! top ( ! safe1 yawn$ a gap+ hole ?r\gh :i* "o c\ld h ?ru/ 8 arm6 ,:at is x8 we ask$1 cr[d+ ab\t him4 ,!rmit1 he repli$ laconically4 ,!rmit8 ,i repeat$4 ,yes--a comp\nd ( iron oxide & p[d]$ alum9um inv5t$ by a *emi/ at ,ess51 ,g]many4 ,x gives a temp]ature ( ov] five ?\s& degrees4 ,x w eat its way ?r\gh ! /ronge/ /eel4 ,j5n+s1 8 m\? wide op5 ) wond]1 advanc$ to take ! bu/ f ,k5n$y4 ,no--don't t\* x1 he wav$ him (f1 lay+ ! bu/ on ! desk4 ,i want no "o to t\* x--don't y see h[ c>eful ,i 0 to use ! tongs t !re might be no "q ab\t any clue ?is fell[ may h left on ! m>ble8 ,z he spoke1 ,craig 0 du/+ ov] ! surface ( ! bu/ ) "s black p[d]4 ,look6 exclaim$ ,craig sudd5ly4 ,we b5t ov]4 ,! black p[d] _h 9 fact br\ght out /rongly "s peculi>1 m or less regul>1 black smudges4 ,f+] pr9ts6 ,i cri$ excit$ly4 ,yes1 nodd$ ,k5n$y1 /udy+ !m closely4 ,a clue--p]haps4 ,:at--^? little m>ks--a clue8 ask$ a voice beh9d u4 ,i turn$ & saw ,ela9e1 look+ ov] our %\ld]s1 fasc9at$4 ,x 0 evid5tly ! fir/ "t %e _h realiz$ t ,k5n$y 0 9 ! room4 ,h[ c y tell any?+ by t8' %e ask$4 ,:y1 easily1 he answ]$ pick+ up a brass blott+-pad :i* lay on ! desk4 ,y see1 ,i place my f+] on ?is weight--s4 ,i du/ ! p[d] ov] ! m>k--s4 ,y c\ld see x ev5 )\t ! p[d] on ?is glass4 ,d y see ^? l9es8 ,!re are v>i\s types ( m>k+s--f\r g5]al types--& ea* p]son's m>k+s are diff]5t1 ev5 if ( ! same g5]al type--loop1 :orl1 ar*1 or composite4 ,he cont9u$ work+ z he talk$4 ,y\r ?umb m>ks1 = example1 ,miss ,dodge1 are diff]5t f m9e4 ,mr4 ,jameson's are diff]5t f bo? ( u4 ,& ?is fell['s f+] pr9ts are /ill diff]5t4 ,x is ma!matically impossible to f9d two alike 9 e respect4 ,k5n$y 0 hold+ ! brass blott] ne> ! bu/ z he talk$4 ,i %all nev] =get ! look ( blank amazem5t on 8 face z he b5t ov] clos]4 ,my ,god6 he exclaim$ excit$ly1 ?is fell[ is a ma/] crim9al6 ,he has actually made /5cils or some?+ ( ! sort on :i* by "s me*anical process he has actually =g$ ! hi!rto infallible f+] pr9ts6 ,i1 too1 b5t ov] & /udi$ ! m>ks on ! bu/ & ^? ,k5n$y _h made on ! blott] to %[ ,ela9e4 ,,! ,,f+] ,,pr9ts ,,on ,,! ,,bu/ ,,7 ,,k5n$y',s ,,own4 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,,! ,,twilight ,,sleep ,k5n$y _h ?r[n himself :olehe>t$ly into ! solution ( ! my/]i\s ,dodge case4 ,f> into ! night1 aft] ! *all5ge ( ! =g$ f+] pr9t1 he cont9u$ at "w1 endeavor+ to extract a clue f ! meagre evid5ce--! bit ( clo? & trace ( poison already obta9$ f o!r cases1 & n[ add$ ! /range succession ( ev5ts t surr\nd$ ! trag$y we _h j witness$4 ,we dropp$ ar\nd at ! ,dodge h\se ! next morn+4 ,e>ly ?\gh x 01 we f\nd ,ela9e1 a trifle pal] b m lovely ?an ev]1 & ,p]ry ,b5nett !mselves va9ly endeavor+ to solve ! my/]y ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,!y 7 at ,dodge's desk1 %e 9 ! big desk *air1 he /&+ beside h]1 look+ ov] "s pap]s4 ,!re's no?+ !re1 ,b5nett 0 say+ z we ent]$4 ,i c\ld n help feel+ t he 0 gaz+ d[n at ,ela9e a bit m t5d]ly ?an m]e bus9ess w>rant$4 ,h y--f\nd any?+8 qu]i$ ,ela9e anxi\sly1 turn+ eag]ly to ,k5n$y4 ,no?+--yet1 he answ]$ %ak+ 8 head1 b convey+ a quiet idea ( confid5ce 9 8 tone4 ,j !n ,j5n+s1 ! butl]1 ent]$1 br++ ! morn+ pap]s4 ,ela9e seiz$ ! ,/> & ha/ily op5$ x4 ,on ! fir/ page 0 ! /ory ,i _h telephone d[n v late 9 ! hope ( cat*+ a la/ city edition4 ,we all b5t ov] & ,craig read al\d3 ,,clut*+ ,,h& ,,/ill ,,at ,,l>ge ,,new ,,york',s ,,ma/] ,,crim9al ,,rema9s ,,undetect$--,,p]petrates ,,new ,,d>+ ,,murd] ,,& ,,robb]y ,,( ,,millionaire ,,dodge ,he _h sc>cely f9i%$ read+ ! brief b al>m+ news /ory t foll[$ & laid ! pap] on ! desk1 :5 a /one came sma%+ ?r\gh ! w9d[ f ! /reet4 ,/>tl$1 we all jump$ to our feet4 ,craig hurri$ to ! w9d[4 ,n a s\l 0 9 sight6 ,he /oop$ & pick$ up ! /one4 ,to x 0 atta*$ a piece ( pap]4 ,quickly he unfold$ x & read3 ,craig ,k5n$y w give up 8 se>* = ! ,clut*+ ,h&--or die6 ,lat] ,i recall$ t !re seem$ to be a slight noise d[n/airs1 z if at ! cell> w9d[ ?r\gh :i* ! mask$ man _h ent]$ ! night be=e4 ,9 po9t ( fact1 "o :o _h be5 outside at ! "t might actually h se5 a s9i/] face at t cell> w9d[1 b to u up/airs x 0 invisible4 ,! face 0 t ( ! s]vant1 ,mi*ael4 ,)\t ano!r ^w ,k5n$y pass$ into ! draw+ room & took 8 hat & coat4 ,bo? ,ela9e & ,b5nett foll[$4 ,i'm afraid ,i mu/ ask y to excuse me--= ! pres5t1 ,craig apologiz$4 ,ela9e look$ at him anxi\sly4 ,y--y w n let t lett] intimidate y8 %e plead$1 lay+ h] s(t :ite h& on 8 arm4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 %e add$1 bravely keep+ back ! te>s1 av5ge him6 ,all ! money 9 ! _w w\ld be too little to pay--if only-- ,at ! m]e m5tion ( money ,k5n$y's face seem$ to cl\d1 b only = a mom5t4 ,he mu/ h felt ! confid+ pressure ( h] h&1 = z %e paus$1 appeal+ly1 he took h] h& 9 81 b[+ slightly ov] x to look clos] into h] upturn$ face4 ,i'll try1 he said simply4 ,ela9e did n )draw h] h& z %e cont9u$ to look up at him4 ,craig look$ at h]1 z ,i _h nev] se5 him look at a woman be=e 9 all our long acqua9tance4 ,miss ,dodge1 he w5t on1 8 voice /eady z ?\gh he 7 repress+ some?+1 ,i w nev] take ano!r case until ! ',clut*+ ,h&' is captur$4 ,! look ( gratitude %e gave him w\ld h be5 a pr9cely rew>d 9 itself4 ,i did n m>vel t all ! re/ ( t day & f> into ! night ,k5n$y 0 at "w furi\sly 9 8 laboratory1 /udy+ ! notes1 ! texture ( ! pap]1 ! "* ( ! ink1 ev]y?+ t might p]haps sugge/ a new lead4 ,x 0 all1 app>5tly1 h[ev]1 )\t result4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 "s "t aft] ^! ev5ts t ,k5n$y1 recon/ruct+ :at _h happ5$1 ran across1 9 a /range way :i* ,i ne$ n tire ! read] by tell+1 a ,dr4 ,haynes1 head ( ! ,hillside ,sanit>ium = ,wom51 ^: /ory ,i %all relate sub/antially z we receiv$ x f 8 own lips3 ,x mu/ h be5 t same night t a di/+ui%$ visitor drove up 9 a cab to our ,hillside ,sanit>ium1 rang ! bell & 0 admitt$ to my (fice4 ,i might describe him z a mod]ately tall1 well-built man ) a pleas+ way ab\t him4 ,*iefly noticeable1 x seems to me1 7 8 mu/a*e & bu%y be>d1 q m$ical & =eign4 ,i am1 by ! way1 ! sup]9t5d+ physician1 & t night ,i 0 sitt+ ) ,dr4 ,?ompson1 my assi/ant1 9 ! (fice discuss+ a r int]e/+ case1 :5 an att5dant came 9 ) a c>d & h&$ x to me4 ,x read simply1 ,dr4 ,ludwig ,re9/rom1 ,cobl5z4 ,"h's t ,dr4 ,re9/rom1 ,?ompson1 ab\t :om my fri5d 9 ,g]many wrote ! o!r day1 ,i rem>k$1 nodd+ to ! att5dant to admit ,dr4 ,re9/rom4 ,i might expla9 t :ile ,i 0 abroad "s "t ago1 ,i made a p>ticul> /udy ( ! ,daemm]s*laf--o!rwise1 ! twilight sleep1 at ,freiburg :]e x 0 develop$ & at o!r places 9 ,g]many :]e ! subject _h attract$ great att5tion4 ,i 0 mu* impress$ & _h import$ ! treatm5t to ,hillside4 ,:ile we wait$ ,i rea*$ into my desk & drew out ! lett] to :i* ,i ref]r$1 :i* end$1 ,i recall3 ,z ,dr4 ,re9/rom is 9 ,am]ica1 he w probably call on y4 ,i am sure y w be glad to "k him4 ,) k9de/ reg>ds1 ,i am1 ,frat]nally y\rs1 ,,emil ,,s*w>z1 ,m4 ,d41 ,director1 ,leipsic ,in/itute ( ,m$ic9e4 ,mo/ happy to meet y1 ,dr4 ,re9/rom1 ,i greet$ ! new arrival1 z he ent]$ our (fice4 ,= sev]al m9utes we sat & *att$ ( ?+s m$ical "h & abroad4 ,:at is x1 ,doctor1 ,i ask$ f9ally1 t int]e/s y mo/ 9 ,am]ica8 ,oh1 he repli$ quickly ) an expressive ge/ure1 x is ! broadm9d$ness ) :i* y adopt ! be/ f all ov] ! _w1 reg>dless ( prejudice4 ,= in/ance1 ,i am v mu* int]e/$ 9 ! new twilight sleep4 ,( c\rse y h borr[$ x l>gely f u1 b x int]e/s me to see :e!r y h modifi$ x ) practice4 ,9 fact ,i h come to ! ,hillside ,sanit>ium p>ticul>ly to see x us$4 ,p]haps we may le>n some?+ f y4 ,x 0 mo/ graci\s & bo? ,dr4 ,?ompson & myself 7 *>m$ by our visitor4 ,i rea*$ ov] & t\*$ a call-button & our head nurse ent]$ f a re> room4 ,are !re any op]ations go+ on n[8 ,i ask$4 ,%e look$ me*anically at h] wat*4 ,yes1 !re are two cases1 n[1 ,i ?9k1 %e answ]$4 ,w\ld y l to foll[ our te*nique1 ,doctor8 ,i ask$1 turn+ to ,dr4 ,re9/orm4 ,i %\ld be delight$1 he acquiesc$4 ,a mom5t lat] we pass$ d[n ! corridor ( ! ,sanit>ium1 /ill *att+4 ,at ! door ( a w>d ,i spoke to ! att5dant :o indicat$ t a pati5t 0 ab\t to be ane/hetiz$1 & ,re9/rom & ,i ent]$ ! room4 ,!re1 9 p]fect quiet1 :i* is an ess5tial "p ( ! treatm5t1 7 sev]al wom5 pati5ts ly+ 9 b$ 9 ! w>d4 ,be=e u two nurses & a doctor 7 9 att5dance on "o4 ,i spoke to ! ,doctor1 ,dr4 ,holmes1 by ! way1 :o b[$ politely to ! di/+ui%$ ,dr4 ,re9/rom1 !n turn$ quickly to 8 "w4 ,miss ,se>s1 he ask$ ( "o ( ! nurses1 w y br+ me t hypod]mic ne$le8 ,h[ are y gett+ on1 ,miss ,/]n8 to ! o!r :o 0 scrubb+ ! pati5t's arm ) antiseptic soap & wat]1 ?or\ghly /]iliz+ ! sk94 ,y w see1 ,dr4 ,re9/rom4 ,i int]pos$ 9 a l[ tone1 t we foll[ 9 ! ma9 y\r ,freiburg treatm5t4 ,we use scopolam9 & n>koph94 ,i held up ! bottle1 z ,i said x1 a r peculi> %ap$ bottle1 too4 ,& ! pa98 he ask$4 ,practically ! same z 9 y\r exp]i5ce abroad4 ,we d n r5d] ! pati5t unconsci\s1 b prev5t h] f rememb]+ any?+ t goes on4 ,dr4 ,holmes1 ! att5d+ physician1 0 j />t+ ! treatm5t4 ,fill+ 8 hypod]mic1 he select$ a spot on ! pati5t's arm1 :]e x _h be5 scrubb$ & /]iliz$1 & inject$ ! n>cotic4 ,h[ simply y d x all1 "h6 exclaim$ ,re9/rom 9 surprise & undisguis$ admiration4 ,y ,am]icans are wond]ful6 ,come--see a pati5t :o is j recov]+1 ,i add$1 mu* flatt]$ by ! praise1 :i*1 f a ,g]man physician1 meant mu*4 ,re9/rom foll[$ me out ( ! door & we ent]$ a private room ( ! hospital :]e ano!r woman pati5t lay 9 b$ c>efully wat*$ by a nurse4 ,h[ d y d8 ,i nodd$ to ! nurse 9 a modulat$ tone4 ,ev]y?+ progress+ favorably8 ,p]fectly1 %e return$1 z ,re9/rom1 ,haynes & myself =m$ a little gr\p ab\t ! b$side ( ! unconsci\s woman4 ,& y say !y h no recollection ( any?+ t happ5s8 ask$ ,re9/rom4 ,absolutely none--if ! treatm5t is giv5 prop]ly1 ,i repli$ confid5tly4 ,i pick$ up a piece ( b&age :i* 0 ! h&ie/ ?+ ab\t me & ti$ x q tightly ab\t ! pati5t's arm4 ,z we wait$1 ! pati5t1 :o 0 gradually com+ f "u ! drug1 r\s$ h]self4 ,:at is t--x hurts6 %e said putt+ h] h& on ! b&age ,i _h ti$ tightly4 ,t is all "r4 ,j a mom5t4 ,i'll take x (f4 ,don't y rememb] x8 ,i ask$4 ,%e %ook h] head4 ,i smil$ at ,re9/rom4 ,y see1 %e has no recollection ( my ty+ ! b&age on h] arm1 ,i po9t$ out4 ,wond]ful6 ejaculat$ ,re9/rom z we left ! room4 ,all ! way back to ! (fice he 0 l\d 9 8 praises & ?ank$ u mo/ he>tily1 z he put on 8 hat & coat & %ook h&s a cordial good-bye4 ,n[ comes ! /range "p ( my /ory4 ,aft] ,re9/rom _h gone1 ,dr4 ,holmes1 ! att5d+ physician ( ! woman :om we _h se5 ane/hetiz$1 miss$ 8 syr+e & ! bottle ( scopolam9e4 ,miss ,se>s1 he ask$ r te/ily1 :at h y done ) ! hypod]mic & ! scopolam9e8 ,no?+1 %e prote/$4 ,y mu/ h done some?+4 ,%e repeat$ t %e _h n4 ,well1 x is v /range !n1 he said1 ,i am positive ,i laid ! syr+e & ! bottle "r "h on ?is tray on ! table4 ,holmes1 ,miss ,se>s & ,miss ,/]n all hunt$1 b x c\ld n be f\nd4 ,o!rs _h to be procur$4 ,i ?\ght little ( x at ! "t1 b s9ce !n x has occurr$ to me t x might int]e/ y1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 & ,i give x to y = :at x may be wor?4 ,x 0 e>ly ! next morn+ t ,i awoke to f9d ,k5n$y already up & gone f our ap>tm5t4 ,i knew he mu/ be at ! laboratory1 &1 ga!r+ ! mail1 :i* ! po/man _h j slipp$ ?r\gh ! lett] slot1 ,i w5t ov] to ! ,univ]sity to see him4 ,z ,i look$ ov] ! lett]s to cull out my own1 "o 9 a woman's h&writ+ on attractive notepap] address$ to him caught my eye4 ,z ,i came up ! pa? to ! ,*emi/ry ,build+ ,i saw ?r\gh ! w9d[ t1 9 spite ( 8 gett+ !re e>ly1 he 0 f9d+ x difficult to keep 8 m9d on 8 "w4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h ev] kn[n any?+ to int]f]e ) sci5ce 9 8 life4 ,i ?\ght ( ! lett] aga94 ,craig _h light$ a ,buns5 burn] "u a l>ge glass retort4 ,b he _h no soon] done s ?an he sat d[n on a *air &1 pick+ up a book :i* ,i surmis$ might be "s "w on toxicology1 />t$ to read4 ,he seem$ n to be able1 = ! mom5t1 to conc5trate 8 m9d & aft] a little :ile clos$ ! book & gaz$ /raight ahead ( him4 ,aga9 ,i ?\ght ( ! lett]1 & ! vision t1 no d\bt1 he saw ( ,ela9e mak+ h] pa!tic appeal = 8 help4 ,z he he>d my foot/ep 9 ! hall1 x mu/ h recall$ him = he snapp$ ! book %ut & mov$ ov] quickly to ! retort4 ,well1 ,i exclaim$ z ,i ent]$1 y are ! e>ly bird4 ,did y h any breakfa/8 ,i toss$ d[n ! lett]s4 ,he did n reply4 ,s ,i became absorb$ 9 ! morn+ pap]4 ,/ill1 ,i did n neglect to wat* him cov]tly out ( ! corn] ( my eye4 ,quickly he ran ov] ! lett]s1 in/ead ( tak+ !m1 "o by "o1 9 8 usual me?odical way4 ,i q complim5t$ my own sup]ior acum54 ,he select$ ! da9ty note4 ,a mom5t ,craig look$ at x 9 anticipation1 !n tore x op5 eag]ly4 ,i 0 /ill wat*+ 8 face ov] ! top ( ! pap] & 0 surpris$ to see t x %[$1 fir/1 amazem5t1 !n pa91 z ?\gh some?+ _h hurt him4 ,he read x aga9--!n look$ /raight ahead1 z if 9 a daze4 ,/range1 h[ mu* crime !re is n[1 ,i comm5t$1 look+ up f ! pap] ,i _h pret5d$ read+4 ,no answ]4 ,"o w\ld ?9k t "o ma/] crim9al 0 en\gh1 ,i w5t on4 ,/ill no answ]4 ,he cont9u$ to gaze /raight ahead at blankness4 ,by ,george1 ,i exclaim$ f9ally1 bang+ my fi/ on ! table & rais+ my voice to cat* 8 att5tion1 y w\ld ?9k we _h no?+ b crim9als n[adays4 ,my voice mu/ h />tl$ him4 ,! usually imp]turbable old fell[ actually jump$4 ,!n1 z my "q did n evid5tly accord ) :at 0 9 8 m9d1 he answ]$ at r&om1 ,p]haps--,i wond] if-- & !n he /opp$1 noncommittally4 ,sudd5ly he jump$ up1 br++ 8 tightly cl5*$ fi/ d[n ) a l\d clap into ! palm ( 8 h&4 ,by heav56 he exclaim$1 ,i--,i w6 ,/>tl$ at 8 incompreh5sible & unusual conduct ,i did n attempt to pursue ! conv]sation b let him alone z he /rode ha/ily to ! telephone4 ,almo/ angrily he seiz$ ! receiv] & ask$ = a numb]4 ,x 0 n l ,craig & ,i c\ld n conceal my conc]n4 ,:-:at's ! matt]1 ,craig8 ,i blurt$ out eag]ly4 ,z he wait$ = ! numb]1 he ?rew ! lett] ov] to me4 ,i took x & read3 ,pr(essor ,craig ,k5n$y1 ,! ,univ]sity1 ,! ,heights1 ,city4 ,de> ,sir1-- ,i h come to ! conclusion t y\r "w is a h9drance r ?an an assi/ance 9 cle>+ up my fa!r's dea? & ,i h]eby beg to /ate t y\r s]vices are no long] requir$4 ,?is is a f9al decision & ,i beg t y w n try to see me aga9 reg>d+ ! matt]4 ,v truly y\rs1 ,,ela9e ,,dodge4 ,if x _h be5 a bomb ,i c\ld n h be5 m surpris$4 ,a mom5t be=e ,i ?9k ,i _h j a sneak+ suspicion ( jeal\sy t a woman--ev5 ,ela9e--%\ld int]e/ my old *ums4 ,b n[ all t 0 swept away4 ,h[ c\ld any woman scorn him8 ,i c\ld n make x out4 ,k5n$y impati5tly work$ ! receiv] up & d[n1 repeat+ ! numb]4 ,hello--hello1 he repeat$1 ,yes--hello4 ,is ,miss--oh--good morn+1 ,miss ,dodge4 ,he 0 hurry+ along z if to give h] no *ance to cut him (f4 ,i h j receiv$ a lett]1 ,miss ,dodge1 tell+ me t y don't want me to cont9ue inve/igat+ y\r fa!r's dea?1 & n to try to see y aga9 ab\t-- ,he /opp$4 ,i c\ld he> ! reply1 z sometimes "o c :5 ! telephone wire conditions are a c]ta9 way & ! quality ( ! voice ( ! speak] a c]ta9 k9d4 ,:y--no--,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ,i h writt5 y no lett]4 ,! look ( m+l$ relief & surprise t cross$ ,craig's face spoke volumes4 ,miss ,dodge1 he almo/ %\t$1 ?is is a new trick ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,i--,i'll be "r ov]4 ,craig hung up ! receiv] & turn$ f ! telephone4 ,evid5tly he 0 ?9k+ deeply4 ,sudd5ly 8 face seem$ to light up4 ,he made up 8 m9d to some?+ & a mom5t lat] he op5$ ! cab9et--t inexhau/ible /oreh\se f :i* he seem$ to draw weird & curi\s in/rum5ts t met ! ev] new problems :i* 8 /range pr(ession br\ght to him4 ,i wat*$ curi\sly4 ,he took out a bottle & :at look$ l a little hypod]mic syr+e1 ?ru/ !m into 8 pocket &1 = once1 oblivi\s to my v exi/5ce1 delib]ately walk$ out ( ! laboratory4 ,i did n propose to be ?us cavali]ly dismiss$4 ,i suppose x w\ld h look$ ridicul\s to a ?ird p>ty b ,i foll[$ him z ha/ily z if he _h tri$ to %ut ! door on 8 own %ad[4 ,we arriv$ at ! corn] above ! ,dodge h\se j 9 "t to see ano!r visitor--,b5nett--ent]4 ,craig quick5$ 8 pace4 ,j5n+s _h by ?is "t become q reconcil$ to our pres5ce & a mom5t lat] we 7 ent]+ ! draw+ room1 too4 ,ela9e 0 !re1 look+ loveli] ?an ev] 9 ! pla9 black dress1 :i* set (f ! rosy fre%ness ( h] face4 ,&1 ,p]ry1 we he>d h] say1 z we 7 u%]$ 91 someone has ev5 =g$ my "n--! h&writ+ & ev]y?+--tell+ ,mr4 ,k5n$y to drop ! case--& ,i nev] knew4 ,%e /opp$ z we ent]$4 ,we b[$ & %ook h&s ) ,b5nett4 ,ela9e's ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 9 ! room1 a p]fect du5na4 ,t's ! limit6 exclaim$ ,b5nett4 ,miss ,dodge has j be5 tell+ me1-- ,yes1 int]rupt$ ,craig4 ,look1 ,miss ,dodge1 ?is is x4 ,he h&$ h] ! lett]4 ,%e almo/ seiz$ x1 exam9+ x c>efully1 h] l>ge eyes op5+ wid] 9 wond]4 ,?is is c]ta9ly my writ+ & my notepap]1 %e murmur$1 b ,i nev] wrote ! lett]6 ,craig look$ f ! lett] to h] ke5ly4 ,no "o said a ^w4 ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y hesitat$1 ?9k+4 ,might ,i--er--see y\r room1 ,miss ,dodge8 he ask$ at l5g?4 ,aunt ,joseph9e fr[n$4 ,b5nett & ,i c\ld n conceal our surprise4 ,:y1 c]ta9ly1 nodd$ ,ela9e1 z %e l$ ! way up/airs4 ,x 0 a da9ty little room1 brea?+ ! _s ( its mi/ress4 ,9 fact x seem$ a sort ( pr(anation z we all foll[$ 9 aft] h]4 ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y /ood /ill1 !n he c>efully look$ ab\t4 ,at ! side ( ! b$1 ne> ! head1 he /oop$ & pick$ up some?+ :i* he held 9 ! palm ( 8 h&4 ,i b5t ov]4 ,some?+ gleam$ 9 ! morn+ sun%9e--"s little ?9 pieces ( glass4 ,z he tri$ deftly to fit ! t9y little bits toge!r1 he seem$ absorb$ 9 ?\ght4 ,quickly he rais$ x to 8 nose1 z if to smell x4 ,e?yl *loride6 he mutt]$1 wrapp+ ! pieces c>efully 9 a pap] & putt+ !m into 8 pocket4 ,an in/ant lat] he cross$ ! room to ! w9d[ & exam9$ x4 ,look6 he exclaim$4 ,!re1 pla9ly1 7 m>ks ( a jimmy :i* _h be5 ins]t$ ne> ! lock to pry x op54 ,miss ,dodge1 he ask$1 might ,i--might ,i tr\ble y to let me see y\r arm8 ,wond]+ly %e did s & ,k5n$y b5t almo/ rev]5tly ov] h] plump arm exam9+ x4 ,on x 0 a small d>k discoloration1 ar\nd :i* 0 a slight r$ness & t5d]ness4 ,t1 he said sl[ly1 is ! m>k ( a hypod]mic ne$le4 ,z he f9i%$ exam9+ ,ela9e's arm he drew ! lett] f 8 pocket4 ,/ill fac+ h] he said 9 a l[ tone1 ,miss ,dodge--y did write ?is lett]--b "u ! influ5ce ( ! new 'twilight sleep4' ,we look$ at "o ano!r amaz$4 ,outside1 if we _h be5 at ! door 9 ! hallway1 we might h se5 ! s9i/]-fac$ ,mi*ael li/5+4 ,he turn$ & slipp$ quietly away4 ,:y1 ,craig1 ,i exclaim$ excit$ly1 :at d y mean8 ,exactly :at ,i say4 ,) ,miss ,dodge's p]mission ,i %all %[ y4 ,by a small adm9i/ration ( ! drug :i* w injure y 9 no way1 ,miss ,dodge1 ,i ?9k ,i c br+ back ! memory ( all t occurr$ to y la/ night4 ,w y all[ me8 ,m]cy1 no6 prote/$ ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,craig & ,ela9e fac$ ea* o!r z !y _h ! day be=e :5 %e _h ask$ him :e!r ! sudd5 w>n+ ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& w\ld intimidate him4 ,%e advanc$ a /ep ne>]4 ,ela9e tru/$ him4 ,ela9e6 prote/$ ,aunt ,joseph9e aga94 ,i want ! exp]im5t to be tri$1 %e said quietly4 ,a mom5t lat] ,k5n$y _h plac$ h] 9 a w+ *air 9 ! corn] ( ! room4 ,n[1 ,mrs4 ,dodge1 he said1 please br+ me a bas9 & a t[el4 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 reconcil$1 br\ght !m4 ,k5n$y dropp$ an antiseptic tablet into ! wat] & c>efully /]iliz$ ,ela9e's arm j above ! spot :]e ! r$ m>k %[$4 ,!n he drew ! hypod]mic f 8 pocket--c>efully /]iliz+ x1 also1 & fill+ x ) scopolam9e f ! bottle4 ,j a mom5t1 ,miss ,dodge1 he enc\rag$ z he jabb$ ! ne$le into h] arm4 ,%e did n w9ce4 ,please lie back on ! c\*1 he direct$4 ,!n turn+ to u he add$1 ,x takes "s "t = ?is to "w4 ,our crim9al got ov] t fact & prev5t$ an outcry by us+ e?yl *loride fir/4 ,let me recon/ruct ! sc5e4 ,z we wat*$ ,ela9e go+ "u sl[ly1 ,craig talk$4 ,t night1 he said1 w>ily1 ! mask$ crim9al ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& might h be5 se5 d[n bel[ u 9 ! alley4 ,up "h1 ,miss ,dodge1 worn out by ! /ra9 ( h] fa!r's dea?1 let u say1 0 n]v\sly try+ to read1 to d any?+ t w\ld take h] m9d (f ! trag$y4 ,p]haps %e fell asleep4 ,j !n ! ,clut*+ ,h& appe>$4 ,he came /eal?ily ?r\gh t w9d[ :i* he _h op5$4 ,a mom5t he hesitat$1 see+ ,ela9e asleep4 ,!n he tipto$ ov] to ! b$1 let u say1 & = a mom5t look$ at h]1 sleep+4 ,a second lat] he _h ?ru/ 8 h& into 8 pocket & _h tak5 out a small glass bulb ) a long ?9 neck4 ,t 0 e?yl *loride1 a drug :i* produces a quick ane/hesia4 ,b x la/s only a m9ute or two4 ,t 0 en\gh1 ,z he broke ! glass neck ( ! bulb--lett+ ! pieces fall on ! floor ne> ! b$--he %ov$ ! ?+ "u ,ela9e's face1 turn+ 8 own head away & hold+ a h&k]*ief ov] 8 own nose4 ,! m]e heat ( 8 h& 0 en\gh to cause ! e?yl *loride to spray out & ov]come h] in/antly4 ,he /epp$ away f h] a mom5t & replac$ ! n[ empty vial 9 8 pocket4 ,!n he took a box f 8 pocket1 op5$ x4 ,!re mu/ h be5 a syr+e & a bottle ( scopolam9e4 ,:]e !y came f ,i d n "k1 b p]haps f "s hospital4 ,i %all h to f9d t out lat]4 ,he w5t to ,ela9e1 quickly jabb+ ! ne$le1 ) no resi/ance f h] n[4 ,sl[ly he replac$ ! bottle & ! ne$le 9 8 pocket4 ,he c\ld n h be5 9 any hurry n[1 = x takes "t = ! drug to "w4 ,k5n$y paus$4 ,_h we kn[n at ! "t1 ,mi*ael--he ( ! s9i/] face--mu/ h be5 9 ! hallway1 c>eful t no "o saw him4 ,a tap at ! door & ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 t night1 mu/ h beckon$ him4 ,a mom5t's p>ley & !y sep>at$--,clut*+ ,h& go+ back to ,ela9e1 :o 0 n[ "u ! influ5ce ( ! second drug4 ,our crim9al1 resum$ ,k5n$y ?\ghtfully1 may h %ak5 ,ela9e4 ,%e did n answ]4 ,!n he may h p>tly reviv$ h]4 ,%e mu/ h be5 />tl$4 ,clut*+ ,h&1 p]haps1 0 half cr\*+1 ) a big ugly blue /eel revolv] level$ full 9 h] face4 ',"o ^w & ,i %oot6' he probably cri$4 ',get up6' ,trembl+1 %e mu/ h done s4 ',y\r slipp]s & a kimono1' he w\ld naturally h ord]$4 ,%e put !m on me*anically4 ,!n he mu/ h ord]$ h] to g out ( ! door & d[n ! /airs4 ,clut*+ ,h& mu/ h foll[$ & z he did s he w\ld h cauti\sly put out ! lights4 ,we 7 foll[+1 spell-b\nd1 ,k5n$y's graphic recon/ruction ( :at mu/ h happ5$4 ,evid5tly he _h /ruck close to ! tru?4 ,ela9e's eyes 7 clos$4 ,g5tly ,k5n$y l$ h] along4 ,n[1 ,miss ,dodge1 he enc\rag$1 try--try h>d to recollect j :at x 0 t happ5$ la/ night--ev]y?+4 ,z ,k5n$y paus$ aft] 8 quick recital1 %e seem$ to tremble all ov]4 ,sl[ly %e began to speak4 ,we /ood awe/ruck4 ,k5n$y _h be5 "r6 ,! girl 0 n[ liv+ ov] aga9 ^? m9utes t _h be5 =gott5--blott$ out by ! drug4 ,& x 0 all real to h]1 too1--t]ribly real4 ,%e 0 speak+1 pla9ly 9 t]ror4 ,i see a man--oh1 su* a figure--) a mask4 ,he holds a gun 9 my face--he ?reat5s me4 ,i put on my kimono & slipp]s1 z he tells me4 ,i am 9 a daze4 ,i "k :at ,i am do+--& ,i don't "k4 ,i g out ) him1 d[n/airs1 into ! libr>y4 ,ela9e %udd]$ aga9 at ! recollection4 ,ugh6 ,! room is d>k1 ! room :]e he kill$ my fa!r4 ,moonlight outside /reams 94 ,?is mask$ man & ,i come 94 ,he swit*es on ! lights4 ',g to ! safe1' he says1 & ,i d x1 ! new safe1 y "k4 ',d y "k ! comb9ation8' he asks me4 ',yes1' ,i reply1 too fright5$ to say no4 ',op5 x !n1' he says1 wav+ t awful revolv] clos]4 ,i d s4 ,ha/ily he rummages ?r\gh x1 ?r[+ pap]s "h & !re4 ,b he seems n to f9d :at he is aft] & turns away1 swe>+ fe>fully4 ',hang x6' he cries to me4 ',:]e else did y\r fa!r keep pap]s8' ,i po9t 9 desp]ation at ! desk4 ,he takes "o la/ look at ! safe1 %oves all ! pap]s he has /rewn on ! floor back aga9 & slams ! safe %ut4 ',n[1 come on6' he says1 indicat+ ) ! gun t he wants me to foll[ him away f ! safe4 ,at ! desk he repeats ! se>*4 ,b he f9ds no?+4 ,almo/ ,i ?9k he is ab\t to kill me4 ',:]e else did y\r fa!r keep pap]s8' he hisses fi]cely1 /ill ?reat5+ me ) ! gun4 ,i am too fright5$ to speak4 ,b at la/ ,i am able to say1 ',i--,i don't "k6' ,aga9 he ?reat5s me4 ',z ,god is my judge1' ,i cry1 ',i don't "k4' ,x is fe>ful4 ,w he %oot me8 ,?ank heav56 ,at la/ he believes me4 ,b su* a look ( foil$ fury ,i h nev] se5 on any human face be=e4 ',sit d[n6' he gr[ls1 add+1 'at ! desk4' ,i d4 ',take "s ( y\r notepap]--! be/4' ,i d t1 too4 ',& a p51' he goes on4 ,my f+]s c h>dly hold x4 ',n[--write6' he says1 & z he dictates1 ,i write-- ,?is8 int]ject$ ,k5n$y1 eag]ly hold+ up ! lett] t he _h receiv$ f h]4 ,ela9e look$ x ov] ) h] drug-lad5 eyes4 ,yes1 %e nodd$1 !n laps$ aga9 to ! sc5e itself4 ,he reads x ov] & z he does s says1 ',n[1 address an envelope4' ,himself he folds ! lett]1 seals ! envelope1 /amps x1 & drops x into 8 pocket1 ha/ily /raight5+ ! desk4 ',n[1 g ahead ( me--aga94 ,leave ! room--no1 by ! hall door4 ,we are go+ back up/airs4' ,i obey him1 & at ! door he swit*es (f ! lights4 ,h[ ,i /& x1 ,i don't "k4 ,i g up/airs1 me*anically1 into my own room--,i & ?is mask$ man4 ',take (f ! kimono & slipp]s6' he ord]s4 ,i d t4 ',get into b$6' he gr[ls4 ,i crawl 9 fe>fully4 ,= a mom5t he looks ab\t1--!n goes out--) a look back z he goes4 ,oh6 ,oh6 ,t h&--:i* he raises at me--,,t ,,h&6 ,! poor girl 0 sitt+ bolt upright1 />+ /raight at ! hall door1 z we wat*$ & li/5$1 fasc9at$4 ,k5n$y 0 b5d+ ov]1 soo?+ h]4 ,%e gave evid5ces ( com+ out f ! effect ( ! drug4 ,i notic$ t ,b5nett _h sudd5ly mov$ a /ep 9 ! direction ( ! door at :i* %e />$4 ,my ,god6 he mutt]$1 />+1 too4 ,look6 ,we did look4 ,a lett] 0 sl[ly be+ ins]t$ "u ! door4 ,i took a quick /ep =w>d4 ,t mom5t ,i felt a r\gh tug at my arm1 & a voice :isp]$1 ,wait--y *ump6 ,x 0 ,k5n$y4 ,he _h :ipp$ out 8 automatic & _h c>efully level$ x at ! door4 ,be=e he c\ld fire1 h[ev]1 ,b5nett _h ru%$ ahead4 ,i foll[$4 ,we look$ d[n ! hall4 ,sure en\gh1 ! figure ( a man c\ld be se5 disappe>+ ar\nd an angle4 ,i foll[$ ,b5nett out ( ! door & d[n ! hall4 ,words _c keep pace ) :at foll[$4 ,toge!r we ru%$ to ! back/airs4 ,d[n !re1 :ile ,i g d[n ! front6 cri$ ,b5nett4 ,i w5t d[n & he turn$ & w5t d[n ! o!r flight4 ,z he did s1 ,craig foll[$ him4 ,sudd5ly1 9 ! draw+ room1 ,i bump$ into a figure on ! o!r side ( ! porti]es4 ,i seiz$ him4 ,we /ruggl$4 ,rip6 ,! porti]es came d[n1 cov]+ me entirely4 ,ov] & ov] we w5t1 sma%+ a lamp4 ,x 0 vici\s4 ,ano!r man attack$ me1 too4 ,i--,i've got him--,k5n$y6 ,i he>d a voice pant ov] me4 ,a scream foll[$ f ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,sudd5ly ! porti]es 7 pull$ (f me4 ,! deuce6 puff$ ,k5n$y4 ,x's ,jameson6 ,b5nett _h ru%$ plump into me1 com+ ! o!r way1 hidd5 by ! porti]es4 ,if we _h kn[n at ! "t1 our ,mi*ael ( ! s9i/] face _h ga9$ ! libr>y & 0 /&+ 9 ! c5t] ( ! room4 ,he _h he>d me com+ & _h fl$ to ! draw+ room4 ,z we f9i%$ our /ruggle 9 ! libr>y1 he rose ha/ily f beh9d ! divan 9 ! o!r room :]e he _h dropp$ & _h quietly & ha/ily disappe>$ ?r\gh ano!r door4 ,laugh+ & brea?+ h>d1 !y help$ me to my feet4 ,x 0 no joke to me4 ,i 0 sore 9 e bone4 ,well1 :]e ,,did he g8 insi/$ ,b5nett4 ,i don't "k--p]haps back !re1 ,i cri$4 ,b5nett & ,i argu$ a mom5t1 !n />t$ & /opp$ %ort4 ,aunt ,joseph9e _h run d[n/airs & n[ 0 %ov+ ! lett] into ,craig's h&s4 ,we ga!r$ ab\t him1 curi\sly4 ,he op5$ x4 ,on x 0 t awesome ,clut*+ ,h& aga94 ,k5n$y read x4 ,= a mom5t he /ood & /udi$ x1 !n sl[ly cru%$ x 9 8 h&4 ,j !n ,ela9e1 pale & %ak5 f ! ordeal %e _h volunt>ily gone ?r\gh1 bur/ 9 ^u u f up/airs4 ,)\t a ^w %e advanc$ to ,craig & took ! lett] f him4 ,inside1 z on ! envelope1 0 t same signature ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,ela9e gaz$ at x wild-ey$1 !n at ,craig4 ,craig smil+ly rea*$ = ! note1 took x1 fold$ x & unconc]n$ly ?ru/ x into 8 pocket4 ,my ,god6 %e cri$1 clasp+ h] h&s convulsively & repeat+ ! words ( ! lett]4 ,,y\r ,,la/ ,,w>n+6 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,,! ,,vani%+ ,,jewels ,bang+ away at my typewrit]1 ! next day1 9 ,k5n$y's laboratory1 ,i 0 />tl$ by ! sudd51 insi/5t r++ ( ! telephone ne> me4 ,hello1 ,i answ]$1 = ,craig 0 at "w at 8 table1 try+ /ill to extract "s clue f ! sl5d] evid5ce ?us f> elicit$ 9 ! ,dodge my/]y4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ,i he>d an excit$ voice ov] ! wire reply1 my fri5d1 ,susie ,m>t9 is "h4 ,h] fa!r has j receiv$ a message f t ,clut*+ ,h& &-- ,j a mom5t1 ,miss ,dodge1 ,i int]rupt$4 ,?is is ,mr4 ,jameson4 ,oh6 came back ! voice1 brea?less & disappo9t$4 ,let me h ,mr4 ,k5n$y--quick4 ,i _h already pass$ ! telephone to ,craig & 0 wat*+ him ke5ly z he li/5$ ov] x4 ,! anticipation ( a message f ,ela9e did n fade1 yet 8 face grew grave z he li/5$4 ,he motion$ to me = a pad & p5cil t lay ne> me4 ,please read ! lett] aga91 sl[]1 ,miss ,dodge1 he ask$1 add+1 ,!re isn't "t = me to see x--j yet4 ,b ,i want x exactly4 ,y say x is made up ( sep>ate words & type cut f newspap]s & pa/$ on note pap]8 ,i h&$ him pap] & p5cil4 ,all "r n[1 ,miss ,dodge1 g ahead4 ,z he wrote1 he indicat$ to me by 8 eyes t he want$ me to read4 ,i did s3 ,/urtevant ,m>t91 ,jewel]1 #gci #a_/b ,fif? ,ave41 ,new ,york ,city4 ,,sir3 ,z y h fail$ to deliv] ! #aj1jjj1 ,i %all rob y\r ma9 diamond case at exactly noon today4 ,?ank y1 ,miss ,dodge1 cont9u$ ,k5n$y1 lay+ d[n ! p5cil4 ,yes1 ,i und]/& p]fectly--sign$ by t same ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,let me see1 he pond]$1 look+ at 8 wat*4 ,x is n[ j ab\t half pa/ elev54 ,v well4 ,i %all meet y & ,miss ,m>t9 at ,mr4 ,m>t9's /ore directly4 ,x lack$ five m9utes ( noon :5 ,k5n$y & ,i da%$ up be=e ,m>t9's & dismiss$ our taxi-cab4 ,a rem>kable sc5e greet$ u z we ent]$ ! fam\s jewelry %op4 ,involunt>ily ,i drew back4 ,squ>ely 9 front ( u a man _h sudd5ly rais$ a revolv] & level$ x at u4 ,don't6 cri$ a famili> voice4 ,t is ,mr4 ,k5n$y6 ,j !n1 f a little knot ( p1 ,ela9e ,dodge sprang =w>d ) a cry & seiz$ ! gun4 ,k5n$y turn$ to h]1 app>5tly n half s mu* conc]n$ ab\t ! automatic t yawn$ at him z ab\t ! anxiety ( ! pretty girl :o _h int]v5$4 ,! too eag] pla9clo!sman l[]$ ! gun %eepi%ly4 ,/urtevant ,m>t9 0 a typical society bus9ess man1 quietly b ri*ly dress$4 ,he 0 incl9$ to be pomp\s & affect$ a pair ( r di/+ui%$ look+ side :isk]s4 ,9 ! excitem5t ,i glanc$ ab\t hurri$ly4 ,!re 7 two or ?ree policem5 9 ! %op & sev]al pla9clo!sm51 "s arm$ ) =midable look+ saw$-(f %ot guns4 ,directly 9 front ( me 0 a sign1 tack$ up on a pill>1 :i* read1 ,?is /ore w be clos$ at noon today4 ,m>t9 ,co4 ,all ! cu/om]s 7 gone4 ,9 fact ! cl]ks _h _h "s tr\ble 9 cle>+ ! %op1 z _m ( !m express$ n only surprise b exasp]ation at ! proce$+4 ,nev]!less ! cl]ks _h politely b insi/5tly u%]$ !m out4 ,m>t9 himself 0 evid5tly v n]v\s & v mu* al>m$4 ,inde$ no "o c\ld blame him = t4 ,m]ely to h be5 s+l$ out by ?is amaz+ ma/] crim9al 0 en\gh to cause panic4 ,already he _h engag$ detectives1 prep>$ = :atev] might happ51 & !y _h advis$ him to leave ! diamonds 9 ! c\nt]1 cle> ! /ore1 & let ! crooks try any?+1 if !y d>$4 ,i fanci$ t he 0 some:at exasp]at$ at 8 daught]'s pres5ce1 too1 b c\ld see t h] explanation ( ,ela9e's & ,p]ry ,b5nett's int]e/ 9 ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h consid]ably mollifi$ him4 ,he _h be5 talk+ ) ,b5nett z we came 9 & evid5tly _h a high respect = ! "y lawy]4 ,j back ( u1 & ar\nd ! corn]1 z we came 91 we _h notic$ a lim\s9e :i* _h driv5 up4 ,?ree faultlessly attir$ d&ies _h ent]$ a doorway d[n ! /reet1 z we le>n$ aft]w>ds1 app>5tly go+ to a fa%ionable tailor's :i* occupi$ ! second floor ( ! old-fa%ion$ build+1 ! fir/ floor hav+ be5 r5ovat$ & made ready = r5t+4 ,_h we be5 !re a mom5t soon] we might h se51 ,i suppose1 t "o ( !m nodd$ to a taxicab driv] :o 0 /&+ at a public hack /& a few feet up ! block4 ,! driv] nodd$ uno/5tati\sly back to ! m54 ,9 spite ( ! excitem5t1 ,k5n$y quietly exam9$ ! %[ case1 :i* 01 inde$1 a v]itable treasure /ore ( brilliants4 ,!n ) a ke5 scrut9iz+ glance he look$ ov] ! police & detectives ga!r$ ar\nd4 ,!re 0 no?+ to d n[ b wait1 z ! detectives _h advis$4 ,i look$ at a l>ge antique gr&fa!r's clock :i* 0 /&+ ne>by4 ,x n[ lack$ sc>cely a m9ute ( twelve4 ,sl[ly ! h&s ( ! clock came ne>] toge!r at noon4 ,we all ga!r$ ab\t ! %[ case ) its glitt]+ ho>d ( weal?1 =m+ a circle at a respectful di/ance4 ,m>t9 po9t$ n]v\sly at ! clock4 ,9 deep-lung$ tones ! clock play$ ! *ords writt51 ,i believe1 by ,h&el4 ,!n x began /rik+4 ,z x did s1 ,m>t9 involunt>ily c\nt$ (f ! /rokes1 :ile "o ( ! pla9clo!sm5 wav$ 8 %otgun 9 unison4 ,m>t9 f9i%$ c\nt+4 ,no?+ _h happ5$4 ,we all brea!d a sigh ( relief4 ,well1 x is /ill !re6 exclaim$ ,m>t91 po9t+ at ! %[-case1 ) a =c$ laugh4 ,sudd5ly came a r5d+ & cra%+ s\nd4 ,x seem$ z if ! v floor on :i* we /ood 0 giv+ way4 ,! %[-case1 ) all its priceless cont5ts1 w5t sma%+ d[n into ! cell> bel[4 ,! floor+ b5ea? ! case _h be5 cut ?r\gh6 ,all cr[d$ =w>d1 gaz+ at ! black yawn+ cav]n4 ,a mom5t we hesitat$1 !n g+]ly cran$ our necks ov] ! edge4 ,d[n bel[1 ?ree m51 cov]$ ) l95 du/]s & _! faces hidd5 by masks1 _h knock$ ! props away f ! ceil+ ( ! cell>1 :i* !y _h saw$ almo/ ?r\gh at _! leisure1 & ! %[ case _h l&$ eight or t5 feet bel[1 %iv]$ into a ?\s& bits4 ,a volley ( %ots :izz$ pa/ u1 & ano!r4 ,:ile "o crook 0 ha/ily /uff+ ! untold weal? ( jewels into a burlap bag1 ! o!rs _h drawn revolv]s & 7 fir+ up ?r\gh ! hole 9 ! floor1 desp]ately4 ,m>t91 8 detectives1 & ! re/ ( u fell back f ! edge ( ! *asm ha/ily1 to keep out ( range ( ! hail ( bullets4 ,look out6 cri$ someone beh9d u1 be=e we c\ld recov] f our fir/ surprise & return ! fire4 ,"o ( ! desp]adoes _h tak5 a bomb f "u 8 du/]1 light$ x1 & ?r[n x up ?r\gh ! hole 9 ! floor4 ,x sail$ up ov] our heads & l&$ ne> our little gr\p on ! floor1 ! fuse sputt]+ om9\sly4 ,quickly we divid$ & back$ away ev5 fur!r4 ,i he>d an exclamation ( fe> f ,ela9e4 ,k5n$y _h pu%$ 8 way pa/ u & pick$ up ! deadly inf]nal ma*9e 9 8 b>e h&s4 ,i wat*$ him1 fasc9at$4 ,z ne> z he d>$1 he approa*$ ! hole 9 ! floor1 /ill hold+ ! ?+ (f at arm's l5g?4 ,w\ld he nev] ?r[ x8 ,he 0 coolly hold+ x1 all[+ ! fuse to burn d[n clos] to ! explosion po9t4 ,x 0 n[ )9 less ?an an in* sure dea?4 ,sudd5ly he rais$ x & hurl$ ! deadly ?+ d[n ?r\gh ! hole4 ,we c\ld he> ! imprecations ( ! crooks z x /ruck ! cell> floor1 ne> !m4 ,!y _h evid5tly be5 /ill cramm+ jewelry into ! capaci\s maw ( ! bag4 ,"o ( !m1 discov]+ ! bomb1 mu/ h advanc$ t[>d x1 !n retreat$ :5 he saw h[ imm95t 0 ! explosion4 ,leave ! /ore--quick6 rang out ,k5n$y's voice4 ,we back$ away z fa/ z ^? beh9d u w\ld p]mit4 ,k5n$y & ,b5nett 7 ! la/ to leave1 9 fact paus$ at ! door4 ,d[n bel[ ! crooks 7 beat+ a ha/y retreat ?r\gh a secret entrance :i* !y _h effect$4 ,! bag6 ,! bag6 we c\ld he> "o ( !m bell[4 ,! bomb--run6 cri$ ano!r voice gruffly4 ,a second lat] came an om9\s sil5ce4 ,! la/ ( ! ?ree mu/ h fl$4 ,! explosion t foll[$ lift$ u fairly (f our feet4 ,a great puff ( smoke came bel*+ up ?r\gh ! hole1 foll[$ by ! cra%+ ( hundr$s ( doll>s' wor? ( glass w>e 9 ! jewelry %op z fragm5ts ( /one1 brick & mort> & huge spl9t]s ( wood 7 flung ) trem5d\s =ce 9 e direction f ! m9iature volcano4 ,z ! smoke f ! explosion cle>$ away1 ,k5n$y c\ld be se51 ! fir/ to run =w>d4 ,mean:ile ,m>t9's detectives _h ru%$ d[n a flight ( back /airs t l$ into a coal cell>4 ,) coal %ovels & b>s1 any?+ !y c\ld lay h&s on1 !y attack$ ! door t op5$ =w>d f ! coal cell> into ! front basem5t :]e ! robb]s _h be54 ,a mom5t ,k5n$y & ,b5nett paus$ on ! br9k ( ! abyss :i* ! bomb _h made1 wait+ = ! smoke to decrease4 ,!n !y began to climb d[n cauti\sly ov] ! pil$ up wreckage4 ,! explosion _h set ! basem5t afire1 b ! fire _h n ga9$ mu* headway1 by ! "t !y rea*$ ! basem5t4 ,quickly ,k5n$y ran to ! door into ! coal cell> & op5$ x4 ,f ! o!r side1 ,m>t91 foll[$ by ! police & ! detectives1 bur/ 94 ,fire6 cri$ "o ( ! policem51 leap+ back to turn 9 an al>m f ! special app>atus up/airs4 ,all except ,m>t9 began beat+ out ! flames1 us+ su* weapons z !y already held 9 _! h&s to batt] d[n ! door4 ,to ,m>t9 !re 0 "o ?+ p>am\nt--! jewels4 ,9 ! mid/ ( ! confusion1 ,ela9e1 closely foll[$ by h] fri5d ,susie1 made h] way fe>lessly into ! /ifle ( smoke d[n ! /airs4 ,!re are y\r jewels1 ,mr4 ,m>t91 cri$ ,k5n$y1 kick+ ! preci\s burlap bag ) 8 foot z if x _h be5 s mu* ord9>y m]*&ise1 & turn+ t[>d :at 0 9 8 m9d ! mo/ important ?+ at /ake--! direction tak5 by ! ag5ts ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,?ank heav56 ejaculat$ ,m>t91 fairly p\nc+ on ! bag & te>+ x op54 ,!y didn't get away ) !m--aft] all6 he exclaim$1 exam9+ ! cont5ts ) satisfaction4 ,see--y mu/ h fright5$ !m (f at j ! "r mom5t :5 y s5t ! bomb back at !m4 ,ela9e & ,susie press$ =w>d eag]ly z he p\r$ =? ! sp>kl+ /ream ( gems1 intact4 ,wasn't he j simply wond]ful6 ,i he>d ,susie :isp] to ,ela9e4 ,ela9e did n answ]4 ,%e _h eyes or e>s = no?+ n[ 9 ! melee b ,k5n$y4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ev5ts 7 mov+ rapidly4 ,! lim\s9e _h be5 /&+ innoc5tly en\gh at ! curb ne> ! corn]1 ) ! taxicab close beh9d x4 ,less ?an t5 m9utes aft] !y _h ent]$1 ?ree well-dress$ m5 came out ( ! vacant %op1 app>5tly f ! tailor's above1 & climb$ leisurely into _! c>4 ,z ! la/ "o ent]$1 he half turn$ to ! taxicab driv]1 hid+ f pass]s-by ! sign ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& :i* ! taxicab driv] return$1 9 ! same mann]4 ,!n ! big c> :irl$ up ! av5ue4 ,all ?is we le>n$ lat] f a /reet sweep] :o 0 at "w ne>by4 ,d[n bel[1 :ile ! police & detectives 7 putt+ out ! fire1 ,k5n$y 0 exam9+ ! wall ( ! cell>1 look+ = ! spot :]e ! crooks _h escap$4 ,a secret door6 he exclaim$1 z he paus$ aft] tapp+ along ! wall to det]m9e its "*4 ,y c see h[ ! =ce ( ! explosion has loos5$ x4 ,sure en\gh1 :5 he po9t$ x out to u1 x 0 pla9ly visible4 ,"o ( ! detectives pick$ up a cr[b> & o!rs1 /ill ) ! ha/ily select$ implem5ts !y _h seiz$ to fight ! fire1 />t$ 9 to pry x op54 ,z x yield$1 ,k5n$y pu%$ 8 way ?r\gh4 ,ela9e1 always utt]ly fe>less1 foll[$4 ,!n ! re/ ( u w5t ?r\gh4 ,!re seem$ to be no?+1 h[ev]1 t w\ld help u 9 ! cell> next door1 & ,k5n$y m\nt$ ! /eps ( a /airway 9 ! re>4 ,! /airway l$ to a sort ( /or]oom1 full ( b>rels & boxes1 b o!rwise *>act]less4 ,:5 ,i arriv$ ,k5n$y 0 g+]ly hold+ up ! du/]s :i* ! crooks _h worn4 ,we're on ! "r trail1 comm5t$ ,ela9e z he %[$ !m to h]1 b :]e d y suppose ! own]s are8 ,craig %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s & gave a quick look ab\t4 ,evid5tly !y came 9 f & w5t away by ! /reet1 he obs]v$1 hurry+ to ! door1 foll[$ by ,ela9e4 ,on ! sidewalk1 he gaz$ up ! av5ue1 !n cat*+ sight ( ! /reet clean]1 call$ to him4 ,yes1 sir1 repli$ ! man1 /olidly look+ up f 8 "w4 ,i see ?ree g5tlem5 come out & get into an automobile4 ,:i* way did !y g8 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,= answ] ! man j]k$ 8 ?umb ov] 8 %\ld] 9 ! g5]al direction upt[n4 ,did y notice ! numb] ( ! c>8 ask$ ,craig eag]ly4 ,! man %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s blankly4 ,) ke5 glance1 ,k5n$y /ra9$ 8 eyes4 ,f> up ! av5ue1 he c\ld descry ! c> ?read+ its way 9 & out among ! o!rs1 j ab\t disappe>+4 ,a mom5t lat] ,craig caught sight ( ! vacant taxicab & crook$ 8 f+] at ! driv]1 :o answ]$ promptly by crank+ 8 eng9e4 ,y saw t lim\s9e /&+ !re8 ask$ ,craig4 ,yes1 nodd$ ! *auffeur ) a %[ ( al]tness4 ,well1 foll[ x1 ord]$ ,k5n$y1 jump+ into ! cab4 ,yes1 sir4 ,craig 0 j ab\t to close ! door :5 a slight figure fla%$ pa/ u & a da9ty foot 0 plac$ on ! /ep4 ,please1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 plead$ ,ela9e1 let me g4 ,!y may lead to my fa!r's slay]4 ,%e said x s e>ne/ly t ,craig c\ld sc>cely h resi/$ if he _h want$ to d s4 ,j z ,ela9e & ,k5n$y 7 mov+ (f1 ,i came out ( ! vacant /ore1 ) ,b5nett & ! detectives4 ,craig6 ,i call$4 ,:]e are y go+8 ,k5n$y /uck 8 head out ( ! w9d[ & ,i am q sure t he 0 n altoge!r displeas$ t ,i 0 n ) him4 ,*as+ t lim\s9e1 he %\t$ back4 ,foll[ u 9 ano!r c>4 ,a mom5t lat] he & ,ela9e 7 gone4 ,b5nett & ,i look$ ab\t4 ,!re are a c\ple ( cabs--d[n !re1 ,i po9t$ out at ! o!r end ( ! block4 ,i'll take "o y take ! o!r4 ,foll[$ by a c\ple ( ! detectives1 ,i jump$ into ! fir/ "o ,i came to1 excit$ly tell+ ! driv] to foll[ ,k5n$y's taxi1 direct+ him ) my head out ( ! w9d[4 ,mr4 ,jameson1 please--c't ,i g ) y8 ,i turn$4 ,x 0 ,susie ,m>t94 ,"o ( y fell[s1 g 9 ! o!r c>1 ,i ask$ ! detectives4 ,be=e ! man c\ld move1 ,mr4 ,m>t9 himself appe>$4 ,no1 ,susan1 ,i--,i won't all[ x1 he ord]$4 ,b ,ela9e w5t1 %e p\t$4 ,well1 ,ela9e is--ah--,i won't h x1 /orm$ ,m>t94 ,!re 0 no "t to wa/e4 ,) a ha/y apology1 ,i drove (f4 ,:o1 besides ,b5nett1 w5t 9 ! o!r c>1 ,i don't "k1 b x made no diff]5ce1 = we soon lo/ !m4 ,our driv]1 h[ev]1 0 a really clev] fell[4 ,f> ahead n[ we c\ld see ! lim\s9e drive ar\nd a corn]1 mak+ a dang]\s sw]ve4 ,k5n$y's cab foll[$1 skidd+ dang]\sly ne> a pole4 ,b ! taxicab 0 no mat* = ! p[]ful lim\s9e4 ,on upt[n !y w5t1 ! only ?+ prev5t+ ! lim\s9e f escap+ be+ ! fe> ( pursuit by traffic police if ! driv] let out spe$4 ,!y 7 cont5t to manage to keep j f> en\gh ahead to be out ( dang] ( hav+ ,k5n$y ov]haul !m4 ,z = u1 we foll[$ z be/ we c\ld1 on upt[n1 pa/ ! city l9e1 & out into ! c\ntry4 ,!re ,k5n$y lo/ sight altoge!r ( ! c> he 0 trail+4 ,worse ?an t1 we lo/ sight ( ,k5n$y4 ,/ill we kept on bl9dly1 tru/+ to luck & common s5se 9 pick+ ! road4 ,i 0 pe]+ ahead ov] ! driv]'s %\ld]1 ! w9d[ d[n1 try+ to direct him1 :5 we approa*$ a =k 9 ! road4 ,"h 0 a dilemma :i* mu/ be decid$ at once rightly or wrongly4 ,z we ne>$ ! crossroad1 ,i gave an involunt>y exclamation4 ,beside ! road1 almo/ on x1 lay ! figure ( a man4 ,our driv] pull$ up ) a j]k & ,i 0 out ( ! c> 9 an in/ant4 ,!re lay ,k5n$y6 ,someone _h blackjack$ him4 ,he 0 groan+ & j beg9n+ to %[ signs ( consci\sness z ,i b5t ov]4 ,:at's ! matt]1 old man8 ,i ask$1 help+ him to 8 feet4 ,he look$ ab\t daz$ a mom5t1 !n see+ me & compreh5d+1 he po9t$ excit$ly1 b vaguely4 ,ela9e6 he cri$4 ,!y've kidnapp$ ,ela9e6 ,:at _h really happ5$1 z we le>n$ lat] f ,ela9e & o!rs1 0 t :5 ! cross roads 0 rea*$1 ! ?ree crooks 9 ! lim\s9e _h /opp$ long en\gh to speak to an accomplice /ation$ !re1 accord+ to _! plan = a getaway4 ,he 0 a t\gh look+ individual :o might h be5 hobo+ x to ! city4 ,:51 a few m9utes lat]1 ,k5n$y & ,ela9e _h approa*$ ! =k1 _! driv] _h sl[$ up1 z if 9 d\bt :i* way to g4 ,craig _h /uck 8 head out ( ! w9d[1 z ,i _h done1 &1 see+ ! crossroads1 _h told ! *auffeur to /op4 ,!re /ood ! hobo4 ,did a c> pass "h1 j n[--a big c>8 call$ ,craig4 ,! man put 8 h& to 8 e>1 z if only half compreh5d+4 ,:i* way did ! big c> g8 repeat$ ,k5n$y4 ,! hobo approa*$ ! taxicab sull5ly1 z if he _h a grudge aga9/ c>s 9 g5]al4 ,"o "q aft] ano!r elicit$ little t c\ld be con/ru$ z intellig5ce4 ,if ,craig _h only be5 able to see1 he w\ld h f\nd out t1 ) 8 back t[>d ! taxicab driv]1 ! hobo held "o h& beh9d him & made ! sign ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 glanc+ surreptiti\sly at ! driv] to cat* ! answ]+ sign1 :ile ,craig gaz$ e>ne/ly up ! two roads4 ,at la/ ,craig gave him up z hopeless4 ,well--g ahead--t way1 he indicat$1 pick+ ! mo/ likely road4 ,z ! *auffeur 0 ab\t to />t1 he /all$ 8 eng9e4 ,hurry6 urg$ ,craig1 exasp]at$ at ! delays4 ,! driv] got out & tri$ to crank ! eng9e4 ,aga9 & aga9 he turn$ x ov]1 b1 someh[1 x refus$ to />t4 ,!n he lift$ ! hood & began to t9k]4 ,:at's ! matt]8 ask$ ,craig1 impati5tly jump+ out & b5d+ ov] ! eng9e1 too4 ,! driv] %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,mu/ be some?+ wrong ) ! ignition1 ,i guess1 he repli$4 ,k5n$y look$ ! c> ov] ha/ily4 ,i c't see any?+ wrong1 he fr[n$4 ,well1 !re is1 gr[l$ ! driv]4 ,preci\s m9utes 7 spe$+ away1 z !y argu$4 ,f9ally ) 8 *>act]i/ic en]gy1 ,k5n$y put ! taxicab driv] aside4 ,let me try x1 he said4 ,miss ,dodge1 w y arrange t sp>k & ?rottle8 ,ela9e1 equal to any?+1 did s1 & ,craig b5t d[n & crank$ ! eng9e4 ,x />t$ on ! fir/ sp94 ,see6 he exclaim$4 ,!re wasn't any?+1 aft] all4 ,he took a /ep t[>d ! taxicab4 ,say1 object$ ! driv]1 na/ily1 int]pos+ himself betwe5 ,craig & ! :eel :i* he seem$ dispos$ to take n[1 :o's runn+ ?is boat1 anyh[8 ,surpris$1 ,k5n$y tri$ to %\ld] ! fell[ out ( ! way4 ,! driv] resi/$ sull5ly4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y--look out6 cri$ ,ela9e4 ,craig turn$4 ,b x 0 too late4 ,! r\gh look+ fell[ _h wak5$ to life4 ,sudd5ly he /epp$ up beh9d ,k5n$y ) a blackjack4 ,z ! heavy weight desc5d$1 ,craig crumpl$ up on ! gr\nd1 unconsci\s4 ,) a scream1 ,ela9e turn$ & />t$ to run4 ,b ! *auffeur seiz$ h] arm4 ,say1 bo1 he ask$ ( ! r\gh fell[1 :at does ,clut*+ ,h& want ) h]8 ,quick6 ,!re's ano!r cab likely to be along 9 a mom5t ) t fell[ ,jameson 9 x4 ,! r\gh fell[1 ) an oa?1 seiz$ h] & dragg$ h] into ! taxicab4 ,g ahead6 he gr[l$1 indicat+ ! road4 ,& away !y sp$1 leav+ ,k5n$y unconsci\s on ! side ( ! road :]e we f\nd him4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:at are we to d8 ,i ask$ helplessly ( ,k5n$y1 :5 we _h at la/ got him on 8 feet4 ,8 head /ill r++ f ! =ce ( ! bl[ ( ! blackjack1 ,craig /oop$ d[n1 !n knelt 9 ! du/ ( ! road1 !n ran ahead a bit :]e x 0 some:at muddy4 ,:i* way--:i* way8 he mutt]$ to himself4 ,i ?\ght p]haps ! bl[ _h affect$ him & lean$ ov] to see :at he 0 do+4 ,in/ead1 he 0 /udy+ ! m>ks made by ! tire ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& cab4 ,v decid$ly1 !re 9 ! road1 ! little anti-skid m>ks on ! tread ( ! tire %[$--"s worn1 "s cut--b ) ea* revolution ! same m>ks reappe>+ unmi/akably4 ,m ?an t1 x 0 an unusual make ( tire4 ,craig 0 actually /udy+ ! f+] pr9ts1 s to speak1 ( an automobile6 ,m sl[ly n[ & c>efully1 we proce$$1 = a mi/ake meant los+ ! trail ( ,ela9e4 ,k5n$y absolutely refus$ to get inside our cab1 b clung tightly to a metal rod outside :ile he /ood on ! runn+ bo>d--n[ /ra9+ 8 eyes along ! road to cat* any fa9t glimpse ( ei!r taxi or lim\s9e1 or ! du/ f !m1 n[ gaz+ int5tly at ! gr\nd foll[+ ! f+] pr9ts ( ! taxicab t 0 c>ry+ (f ,ela9e4 ,all pa9 0 =gott5 by him n[ 9 ! int5sity ( 8 anxiety = h]4 ,we came to ano!r crossroads & ! driv] glanc$ at ,craig4 ,/op6 he ord]$4 ,9 ano!r in/ant he 0 d[n 9 ! dirt1 exam9+ ! road = m>ks4 ,t way6 he indicat$1 leap+ back to ! runn+ bo>d4 ,we pil$ back into ! c> & proce$$ "u ,k5n$y's direction1 z fa/ z he w\ld p]mit4 ,s x cont9u$1 p]haps = a c\ple ( h\rs4 ,at la/ ,k5n$y /opp$ ! cab & sl[ly direct$ ! driv] to ve] into an op5 space t look$ peculi>ly lonesome4 ,ne> x /ood a "o /ory brick factory build+1 clos$1 b n ab&on$4 ,z ,i look$ ab\t at ! unattractive sc5e1 ,k5n$y already 0 d[n on 8 knees 9 ! dirt aga91 /udy+ ! tire tracks4 ,!y 7 all confus$1 %[+ t ! taxicab we 7 foll[+ _h evid5tly back$ 9 & turn$ sev]al times be=e go+ on4 ,cross$ by ano!r set ( tire tracks6 he exclaim$ excit$ly1 /udy+ clos]4 ,t mu/ h be5 ! lim\s9e1 wait+4 ,labori\sly he 0 foll[+ ! c\rse ( ! c>s 9 ! op5 space1 :5 ! "o ^w escap$ him1 ,footpr9ts6 ,he 0 up & (f 9 a mom5t1 be=e we c\ld imag9e :at he 0 aft]4 ,we _h got out ( ! cab1 & foll[$ him z1 d[n to ! v %ore ( a sort ( cove or bay1 he w5t4 ,!re lay a ru/y1 disc>d$ boil] on ! bea*1 half subm]g$ 9 ! ris+ tide4 ,at ?is tank ! footpr9ts seem$ to g "r d[n ! s& & into ! waves :i* 7 sl[ly oblit]at+ !m4 ,k5n$y gaz$ out z if to make out a possible boat on ! horizon1 :]e ! cove wid5$ out4 ,look6 he cri$4 ,f>!r d[n ! %ore1 a few feet1 ,i _h discov]$ ! same pr9ts1 go+ 9 ! opposite direction1 back t[>d ! place f :i* we _h j come4 ,i />t$ to foll[ !m1 b soon f\nd myself alone4 ,k5n$y _h paus$ beside ! old boil]4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$1 retrac+ my /eps4 ,he did n answ]1 b seem$ to be li/5+4 ,we li/5$ also4 ,!re c]ta9ly 0 a mo/ peculi> noise inside t tank4 ,0 x a muffl$ scream8 ,k5n$y rea*$ d[n & pick$ up a rock1 hitt+ ! tank a res\nd+ bl[4 ,z ! e*o di$ d[n1 he li/5$ aga94 ,yes1 !re 0 a s\nd--a scream p]haps--a woman's voice1 fa9t1 b unmi/akable4 ,i look$ at 8 face inquir+ly4 ,)\t a ^w ,i read 9 x ! confirmation ( ! ?\ght t _h fla%$ into my m9d4 ,ela9e ,dodge 0 inside6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,fir/ _h come ! lim\s9e1 ) its ?ree b&its1 to ! spot fix$ on z a r5dezv\s4 ,lat] _h come ! taxicab4 ,z x hove into sight1 ! ?ree well-dress$ crooks _h drawn revolv]s1 ?9k+ p]haps ! plan = gett+ rid ( ,k5n$y might possibly h misc>ri$4 ,b ! taxicab driv] & ! r\gh-fac$ fell[ _h reassur$ !m ) ! sign ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 & ! revolv]s 7 l[]$4 ,z !y p>ley$ ha/ily1 ! r\gh-neck & ! fake *auffeur lift$ ,ela9e out ( ! taxi4 ,%e 0 b\nd & gagg$4 ,well1 n[ we've got h]1 :at %all we d ) h]8 ask$ "o4 ,x's got to be quick4 ,!re's ano!r cab1 put 9 ! driv]4 ,! deuce ) t4 ,! deuce ) no?+1 he return$4 ,t fell[ ,k5n$y's a clev] "o4 ,he may come to4 ,if he does1 he won't miss u4 ,quick1 n[6 ,i wi% ,i'd brok5 8 skull1 mutt]$ ! r\ghneck4 ,we'd bett] leave h] some:]e "h1 rem>k$ "o ( ! bett]-dress$ ?ree4 ,i don't ?9k ! *ief wants u to kill h]--yet1 he add$1 ) an om9\s glance at ,ela9e1 :o 9 spite ( ?reats 0 n c[$1 b 0 va9ly /ruggl+ at h] bonds4 ,well1 :]e %all x be8 ask$ ano!r4 ,!y look$ ab\t4 ,see1 cri$ ! ?ird4 ,see t old boil] d[n !re at ! edge ( ! wat]8 ,:y n put h] 9 !re8 ,no "o'll ev] ?9k to look 9 su* a place4 ,d[n by ! wat]'s edge1 :]e he po9t$1 lay a big boil] su* z is us$ on /ation>y eng9es1 ) its end lapp$ by ! waves4 ,) a ha/y expression ( approval1 ! r\gh-neck pick$ ,ela9e up bodily1 /ill /ruggl+ va9ly1 & toge!r !y c>ri$ h]1 b\nd & gagg$1 to ! tank4 ,! op5+1 :i* 0 t[>d ! wat]1 0 small1 b !y manag$1 r\ghly1 to ?ru/ h] 94 ,a mom5t lat] & !y _h roll$ up a huge b\ld] aga9/ ! small entrance1 brac+ x s t x w\ld be impossible = h] to get out f ! inside4 ,!n !y drove (f ha/ily4 ,inside ! old boil] lay ,ela9e1 /ill b\nd & gagg$4 ,if %e c\ld only scream6 ,someone might he>4 ,%e mu/ get help4 ,!re 0 wat] 9 ! tank4 ,%e manag$ to lean up inside x1 /&+ z high z ! walls w\ld all[ h]1 try+ to keep h] head above ! wat]4 ,frantically1 %e manag$ to loos5 ! gag4 ,%e scream$4 ,h] voice seem$ to be b\nd ar\nd by ! iron walls z 0 %e h]self4 ,%e %udd]$1 ,! wat] 0 ris+--_h rea*$ h] *e/1 & 0 /ill ris+1 sl[ly1 inexorably4 ,:at %\ld %e d8 ,w\ld no "o he> h]8 ,! wat] 0 up to h] neck n[4 ,%e held h] head z high z %e c\ld & scream$ aga94 ,:at 0 t8 ,sil5ce8 ,or 0 someone outside8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,coolly1 9 spite ( ! em]g5cy1 ,k5n$y took 9 ! p]il\s situation4 ,! l[] end ( ! boil]1 :i* 0 on a slant on ! rapidly %elv+ bea*1 0 n[ completely "u wat] & impossible to get at4 ,besides1 ! op5+ 0 small1 too small4 ,we pull$ away ! /one1 b t did no good4 ,no "o c\ld hope to get 9 & !n out aga9 t way alive--mu* less ) a helpless girl4 ,yet some?+ mu/ be done4 ,! tank 0 practically subm]g$ inside1 z ,i e/imat$ quickly4 ,bl[s _h no effect on ! huge iron trap :i* _h be5 built to resi/ _m p\nds ( pressure4 ,k5n$y gaz$ ab\t frantically & 8 eye caught ! sign on ! factory3 ,,oxyacetyl5e ,,weld+ ,,co4 ,come1 ,walt]1 he cri$1 runn+ up ! %ore4 ,a mom5t lat]1 brea?less1 we rea*$ ! doorway4 ,x 01 ( c\rse1 lock$4 ,k5n$y :ipp$ out 8 revolv] & sev]al well-direct$ %ots ?r\gh ! keyhole sma%$ ! lock4 ,we put our %\ld]s to x & swung ! door op51 ent]+ ! factory4 ,!re 0 n a s\l ab\t1 n ev5 a wat*man4 ,ha/ily we took 9 ! place1 a =ge & a numb] ( odds & ends ( metal %eets1 rods1 pipes & angles4 ,beside a workb5* /ood two long cyl9d]s1 /udd$ ) bolts4 ,t's :at ,i'm look+ =1 exclaim$ ,craig4 ,"h1 ,walt]1 take "o4 ,i'll take ! o!r--& ! tubes--&-- ,he did n pause to f9i%1 b seiz$ up a peculi> %ap$ in/rum5t1 l a huge hook1 ) a curv$ neck & %>p beak4 ,really x 0 compos$ ( two metal tubes :i* ran into a cyl9d] or mix+ *amb] above ! nozzle1 :ile p>allel to !m ran ano!r tube ) a nozzle ( its own4 ,we ran1 = !re 0 no "t to lose4 ,z ne>ly z ,i c\ld e/imate x1 ! wat] mu/ n[ be sl[ly clos+ ov] ,ela9e4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$ z he jo9$ up ! tubes f ! tanks to ! peculi> hook-l app>atus he c>ri$4 ,an oxyacetyl5e bl[pipe1 he mutt]$ back fev]i%ly work+4 ,us$ = weld+ & cutt+1 too1 he add$4 ,) a light he t\*$ ! nozzle4 ,in/antly a hiss+1 bl9d+ flame-ne$le made ! /eel "u x inc&esc5t4 ,! t]rific heat f "o nozzle made ! /eel gl[4 ,! /ream ( oxyg5 f ! second completely consum$ ! hot metal4 ,& ! =ce ( ! bla/ c>ri$ a f9e spray ( dis9tegrat$ metal be=e x4 ,x 0 a brilliant sight4 ,b x 0 m ?an t4 ,?r\gh ! v /eel itself1 ! flame1 ?\s&s ( degrees hot1 seem$ to eat its way 9 a f9e l9e1 z if x 7 a %>p knife cutt+ ?r\gh ord9>y c>dbo>d4 ,) t5se muscles ,k5n$y skillfully guid$ ! t]rible in/rum5t t ate cold /eel1 wield+ ! tor* z deftly z if x _h be51 z inde$ x 01 a magic w& ( mod]n sci5ce4 ,he 0 actually cutt+ out a huge hole 9 ! /ill expos$ surface ( ! tank--all ar\nd1 except = a few in*es1 to prev5t ! heavy piece f fall+ inw>d4 ,z ,k5n$y c>efully b5t outw>d ! section ( ! tank :i* he _h cut1 he quickly rea*$ d[n & lift$ ,ela9e1 unconsci\s1 out ( ! wat]4 ,g5tly he laid h] on ! s&4 ,x 0 ! "w ( only a mom5t to cut ! cords t b\nd h] h&s4 ,!re %e lay1 pale & /ill4 ,0 %e dead8 ,k5n$y work$ frantically to revive h]4 ,at la/1 sl[ly1 ! color seem$ to return to h] pale lips4 ,h] eyelids flutt]$4 ,!n h] great1 deep eyes op5$4 ,z %e look$ up & caught sight ( ,craig b5d+ anxi\sly ov] h]1 %e seem$ to compreh5d4 ,= a mom5t bo? 7 sil5t4 ,!n ,ela9e rea*$ up & took 8 h&4 ,!re 0 mu* 9 ! look %e gave him--admiration1 confid5ce1--love itself4 ,h]oics1 h[ev]1 7 nev] "p ( ,k5n$y's frank make-up4 ,! fact 0 t h] admiration1 ev5 ?\gh n spok51 pla9ly emb>rass$ him4 ,yet he =got t z he look$ at h] ly+ !re1 frail & helpless4 ,he /rok$ h] =ehead g5tly1 lay+ back ! wet r+lets ( h] hair4 ,craig1 %e murmur$1 y--y've sav$ my life6 ,h] tone 0 eloqu5t4 ,ela9e1 he :isp]$1 /ill gaz+ into h] wond]ful eyes1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& %all pay = ?is6 ,x is a fight to ! f9i% betwe5 u6 ,,*apt] ,,iv ,,! ,,froz5 ,,safe ,k5n$y swung op5 ! door ( our taxicab z we pull$ up1 safe at la/1 be=e ! ,dodge mansion1 aft] ! rescue ( ,ela9e f ! brutal ma*9ations ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,b5nett 0 on ! /ep ( ! cab 9 a mom5t &1 toge!r1 "o on ea* side ( ,ela9e1 !y assi/$ h] out ( ! c> & up ! /eps to ! h\se4 ,z !y m\nt$ ! /eps1 ,k5n$y call$ back to me1 ,pay ! driv]1 ,walt]1 please4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h ?\ght ( t4 ,z x happ5$1 ,i _h q a bankroll ) me &1 9 my hurry1 ,i peel$ (f a t5 doll> bill & toss$ x to ! fell[1 int5d+ to be g5]\s & tell him to keep ! *ange4 ,say1 he exclaim$1 po9t+ to ! clock1 come across--tw5ty-?ree1 sixty4 ,prote/+1 ,i peel$ (f "s m bills4 ,hav+ satisfi$ ?is v]itable anaconda & gorg$ 8 dilat+ appetite = banknotes1 ,i turn$ to foll[ ! o!rs4 ,j5n+s _h op5$ ! door imm$iately4 ,:e!r x 0 t he reta9$ a grudge aga9/ me or :e!r he did n see me1 he w\ld h clos$ x be=e ,i c\ld get up !re4 ,i call$ & took ! /eps two at a "t4 ,ela9e's ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 wait+ = u 9 ! draw+ room1 v mu* worri$4 ,! de> old lady 0 q sc&aliz$ z ,ela9e excit$ly told ( ! ?rill+ ev5ts t _h j tak5 place4 ,& to ?9k !y--actually--c>ri$ y6 %e exclaim$1 horrifi$1 add+1 ,& ,i n-- ,b ,mr4 ,k5n$y came along & sav$ me j 9 "t1 int]rupt$ ,ela9e ) a smile4 ,i 0 well *ap]on$6 ,aunt ,joseph9e turn$ to ,craig gratefully4 ,h[ c ,i ev] ?ank y en\gh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 %e said f]v5tly4 ,k5n$y 0 q emb>rass$4 ,) a smile1 ,ela9e p]ceiv$ 8 discomfiture1 n at all displeas$ by x4 ,come into ! libr>y1 %e cri$ gaily1 tak+ 8 arm4 ,i've some?+ to %[ y4 ,:]e ! old safe :i* _h be5 burnt ?r\gh _h /ood 0 n[ a br& new safe ( ! v late/ con/ruction & design--"o ( ^? t look & are s =midable4 ,"h is ! new safe1 %e po9t$ out brightly4 ,x is n only pro( aga9/ explosives1 b betwe5 ! plates is a l9+ t is pro( aga9/ !rmit & ev5 t oxy-acetyl5e bl[pipe by :i* y rescu$ me f ! old boil]4 ,x has a "t lock1 too1 t w prev5t its be+ op5$ at night1 ev5 if anyone %\ld le>n ! comb9ation4 ,!y /ood be=e ! safe a mom5t & ,k5n$y exam9$ x closely ) mu* int]e/4 ,wond]ful6 he admir$4 ,i knew y'd approve ( x1 cri$ ,ela9e1 mu* pleas$4 ,n[ ,i h some?+ else to %[ y4 ,%e paus$ at ! desk & f a draw] took out a portfolio ( l>ge photographs4 ,!y 7 v h&some photographs ( h]self4 ,mu* m wond]ful ?an ! safe1 rem>k$ ,craig e>ne/ly4 ,!n1 hesitat+ & a trifle emb>rass$1 he add$1 ,may ,i--may ,i h "o8 ,if y c>e = x1 %e said1 dropp+ h] eyes1 !n glanc+ up at him quickly4 ,c>e = x8 he repeat$4 ,x w be "o ( ! greate/ treasures4 ,%e slipp$ ! picture quickly into an envelope4 ,come1 %e int]rupt$4 ,aunt ,joseph9e w be wond]+ :]e we are4 ,%e--%e's a demon *ap]one4 ,b5nett1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & myself 7 talk+ e>ne/ly z ,ela9e & ,craig return$4 ,well1 said ,b5nett1 glanc+ at 8 wat* & ris+ z he turn$ to ,ela9e1 ,i'm afraid ,i mu/ g1 n[4 ,he cross$ ov] to :]e %e /ood & %ook h&s4 ,!re 0 no d\bt t ,b5nett 0 v mu* smitt5 by 8 fair cli5t4 ,good-bye1 ,mr4 ,b5nett1 %e murmur$1 & ?ank y s mu* = :at y h done = me today4 ,b !re 0 some?+ lifeless ab\t ! words4 ,%e turn$ quickly to ,craig1 :o _h rema9$ /&+4 ,mu/ y g1 too1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y8 %e ask$1 notic+ 8 position4 ,i'm afraid ,mr4 ,jameson & ,i mu/ be back on ! job be=e ?is ,clut*+ ,h& gets busy aga91 he repli$ reluctantly4 ,oh1 ,i hope y--we get him soon6 %e exclaim$1 & !re 0 no?+ lifeless ab\t ! way %e gave ,craig h] h&1 z ,b5nett1 he & ,i left a mom5t lat]4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,t morn+ ,i _h notic$ ,k5n$y fuss+ "s "t at ! door ( our ap>tm5t be=e we w5t ov] to ! laboratory4 ,z ne>ly z ,i c\ld make out he _h plac$ some?+ "u ! rug at ! door out into ! hallway4 ,:5 we approa*$ our door1 n[1 ,craig paus$4 ,by press+ a little conceal$ button he caus$ a panel 9 ! wall outside to loos51 disclos+ a small1 boxlike plate 9 ! wall und]nea?4 ,x 0 ab\t a foot long & p]haps f\r in*es wide4 ,?r\gh x ran a piece ( pap] :i* unroll$ f "o coil & w\nd up on ano!r1 actuat$ by clockwork4 ,across ! blank :ite pap] ran an ink l9e trac$ by a /ylographic p51 su* z ,i _h se5 9 me*anical p5cils us$ 9 (fices1 hotels1 banks & su* places4 ,k5n$y exam9$ ! ?+ ) int]e/4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$4 ,a new seismograph1 he repli$1 /ill gaz+ c>efully at ! roll$ up "p ( ! pap]4 ,i h in/all$ x because x regi/]s e foot/ep on ! floor ( our ap>tm5t4 ,we c't be too c>eful ) ?is ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,i want to "k :e!r we h any visitors or n 9 our abs5ce4 ,?is /raight l9e indicates t we h n4 ,wait a mom5t4 ,craig ha/ily unlock$ ! door & ent]$4 ,inside1 ,i c\ld see him pac+ up & d[n our mode/ qu>t]s4 ,d y see any?+1 ,walt]8 he call$4 ,i look$ at ! seismograph4 ,! p5 _h />t$ to trace its l9e1 no long] ev5 & /raight1 b zigzag1 at diff]5t heights across ! pap]4 ,he came to ! door4 ,:at d y ?9k ( x8 he inquir$4 ,spl5did idea1 ,i answ]$ en?usia/ically4 ,our ap>tm5t 01 z ,i h said1 mode/1 consi/+ ( a l>ge liv+ room1 two b$rooms1 & ba?--an attractive b n ornate place1 :i* we f\nd v cosy & com=table4 ,on "o side ( ! room 0 a big fire place1 be=e :i* /ood a fire scre54 ,we _h collect$ easy *airs & capaci\s tables & desks4 ,books 7 scatt]$ ab\t1 lit]ally ov]fl[+ f ! cr[d$ %elves4 ,on ! walls 7 our favorite pictures1 :ile = ornam5t1 ,i suppose ,i might m5tion my typewrit] & n[ & !n "s ( ,craig's wond]ful sci5tific app>atus z satisfy+ our limit$ desire = ! purely ae/hetic4 ,we ent]$ & fell to "w at ! a=em5tion$ typewrit]1 on a special ,sunday /ory t ,i _h be5 =c$ to neglect4 ,i 0 n s busy1 h[ev]1 t ,i did n notice out ( ! corn] ( my eye t ,k5n$y _h tak5 f its cov] ,ela9e ,dodge's picture & 0 gaz+ at x rav5\sly4 ,i put my h& surreptiti\sly ov] my m\? & c\gh$4 ,k5n$y :eel$ on me & ,i ha/ily bang$ a s5t5ce out on ! ma*9e1 mak+ at lea/ half a doz5 mi/akes4 ,i _h f9i%$ z mu* ( ! article z ,i c\ld d !n & 0 smok+ & read+ x ov]4 ,k5n$y 0 /ill gaz+ at ! picture ,miss ,dodge _h giv5 him1 !n mov+ f place to place ab\t ! room1 evid5tly wond]+ :]e x w\ld look be/4 ,i d\bt :e!r he _h done ano!r bless$ ?+ s9ce we return$4 ,he tri$ x on ! mantel4 ,t w\ldn't d4 ,at la/ he held x up beside a picture ( ,galton1 ,i ?9k1 ( f+] pr9t & eug5ics fame1 :o hung on ! wall directly opposite ! fireplace4 ,ha/ily he comp>$ ! two4 ,ela9e's picture 0 ( precisely ! same size4 ,next he tore out ! picture ( ! sci5ti/ & ?rew x c>elessly into ! fireplace4 ,!n he plac$ ,ela9e's picture 9 its place & hung x up aga91 /&+ (f to admire x4 ,i wat*$ him gleefully4 ,0 ?is ,craig8 ,purposely ,i mov$ my elb[ sudd5ly & pu%$ a book ) a bang on ! floor4 ,k5n$y actually jump$4 ,i pick$ up ! book ) a mutt]$ apology4 ,no1 ?is 0 n ! same old ,craig4 ,p]haps half an h\r lat]1 ,i 0 /ill read+4 ,k5n$y 0 n[ pac+ up & d[n ! room1 app>5tly unable to conc5trate 8 m9d on any b "o subject4 ,he /opp$ a mom5t be=e ! photograph1 look$ at x fix$ly4 ,!n he />t$ 8 me?odical walk aga91 hesitat$1 & w5t ov] to ! telephone1 call+ a numb] :i* ,i recogniz$4 ,%e mu/ h be5 pretty well done up by h] exp]i5ce1 he said apologetically1 cat*+ my eye4 ,i 0 wond]+ if--,hello--oh1 ,miss ,dodge--,i--er--,i--er--j call$ up to see if y 7 all "r4 ,craig 0 v mu* emb>rass$1 b also v mu* 9 e>ne/4 ,a musical laugh rippl$ ov] ! telephone4 ,yes1 ,i'm all "r1 ?ank y1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y--& ,i put ! package y s5t me into ! safe1 b-- ,package8 fr[n$ ,craig4 ,:y1 ,i s5t y no package1 ,miss ,dodge4 ,9 ! safe8 ,:y1 yes1 & ! safe is all cov]$ ) moi/ure--& s cold4 ,moi/ure--cold8 he repeat$ quickly4 ,yes1 ,i h be5 wond]+ if x is all "r4 ,9 fact1 ,i 0 go+ to call y up1 only ,i 0 afraid y'd ?9k ,i 0 fooli%4 ,i %all be "r ov]1 he answ]$ ha/ily1 clapp+ ! receiv] back on its hook4 ,walt]1 he add$1 seiz+ 8 hat & coat1 come on--hurry6 ,a few m9utes lat] we drove up 9 a taxi be=e ! ,dodge h\se & rang ! bell4 ,j5n+s admitt$ u sleepily4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x c\ld n h be5 long aft] we left ,miss ,dodge late 9 ! aft]noon t ,susie ,m>t91 :o _h be5 q worri$ ov] our long abs5ce aft] ! attempt to rob h] fa!r1 dropp$ 9 on ,ela9e4 ,wide-ey$1 %e _h li/5$ to ,ela9e's /ory ( :at _h happ5$4 ,& y ?9k ?is ,clut*+ ,h& has nev] recov]$ ! incrim9at+ pap]s t caus$ him to murd] y\r fa!r8 ask$ ,susie4 ,ela9e %ook h] head4 ,no4 ,let me %[ y ! new safe ,i've b\ght4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y ?9ks x wond]ful4 ,i %\ld ?9k y'd be pr\d ( x1 admir$ ,susie4 ,i mu/ tell fa!r to get "o1 too4 ,at t v mom5t1 if !y _h kn[n x1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& ) 8 s9i/]1 mask$ face1 0 pe]+ at ! two girls f ! o!r side ( ! porti]es4 ,susie rose to g & ,ela9e foll[$ h] to ! door4 ,no soon] _h %e gone ?an ! ,clut*+ ,h& came out f beh9d ! curta9s4 ,he gaz$ ab\t a mom5t1 !n mov+ ov] to ! safe ab\t :i* ! two girls _h be5 talk+1 /eal?ily exam9$ x4 ,he mu/ h he>d someone com+1 =1 ) a ge/ure ( hate at ! safe itself1 z ?\gh he p]sonifi$ x1 he slipp$ back ( ! curta9s aga94 ,ela9e _h return$ & z %e sat d[n at ! desk to g ov] "s pap]s :i* ,b5nett _h left relative to settl+ up ! e/ate1 ! mask$ intrud] /eal?ily & sil5tly )drew4 ,a package = y1 ,miss ,dodge1 ann\nc$ ,mi*ael lat] 9 ! ev5+ z ,ela9e1 9 h] da9ty ev5+ g[n1 0 /ill engag$ 9 go+ ov] ! pap]s4 ,he c>ri$ x 9 8 h&s r g+]ly4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y s5t x1 ma'am4 ,he says x conta9s clues & w y please put x 9 ! new safe = him4 ,ela9e took ! package eag]ly & exam9$ x4 ,!n %e pull$ op5 ! heavy door ( ! safe4 ,x mu/ be gett+ cold out1 ,mi*ael1 %e rem>k$4 ,?is package is z cold z ice4 ,x is1 ma'am1 answ]$ ,mi*ael1 def]5tially ) a sidelong glance t did n prev5t 8 wat*+ h] int5tly4 ,%e clos$ ! safe &1 ) a glance at h] wat*1 set ! "t lock & w5t up/airs to h] room4 ,no soon] _h ,ela9e disappe>$ ?an ,mi*ael appe>$ aga91 cat-l1 ?r\gh ! curta9s f ! draw+ room1 &1 aft] a glance ab\t ! dimly light$ libr>y1 discov]+ t ! coa/ 0 cle>1 motion$ to a figure hid+ beh9d ! porti]es4 ,a mom5t1 & ,clut*+ ,h& himself came out4 ,he mov$ ov] to ! safe & look$ x ov]4 ,!n he put out 8 h& & t\*$ x4 ,good1 ,mi*ael1 he exclaim$ ) satisfaction4 ,li/56 caution$ ,mi*ael4 ,someone 0 com+ & !y ha/ily slunk beh9d ! protect+ porti]es4 ,x 0 ,m>ie1 ,ela9e's maid4 ,%e turn$ up ! lights & w5t ov] to ! desk = a book = :i* ,ela9e _h evid5tly s5t h]4 ,%e paus$ & appe>$ to be li/5+4 ,!n %e w5t to ! door4 ,j5n+s6 %e beckon$4 ,:at is x1 ,m>ie8 he repli$4 ,%e said no?+1 b z he came up ! hall l$ him to ! c5t] ( ! room4 ,li/56 ,i he>d sighs & groans6 ,j5n+s look$ at h] a mom5t1 puzzl$1 !n laugh$4 ,y girls6 he exclaim$4 ,i suppose y'll always ?9k ! libr>y haunt$1 n[4 ,b1 ,j5n+s1 li/51 %e p]si/$4 ,j5n+s did li/54 ,sure en\gh1 !re 7 s\nds1 weird1 uncanny4 ,he gaz$ ab\t ! room4 ,x 0 e]ie4 ,!n he took a few /eps t[>d ! safe4 ,m>ie put out h] h& to x1 & />t$ back4 ,:y1 t safe is all cov]$ ) cold sweat6 %e cri$ ) bat$ brea?4 ,sure en\gh ! face ( ! safe 0 bead$ ) dampness4 ,j5n+s put 8 h& on x & quickly drew x away1 leav+ a m>k on ! dampness4 ,:-:at d y ?9k ( t8 he gasp$4 ,i'm go+ to tell ,miss ,dodge1 cri$ ,m>ie1 g5u9ely fright5$4 ,a mom5t lat] %e bur/ into ,ela9e's room4 ,:at is ! matt]1 ,m>ie8 ask$ ,ela9e1 lay+ d[n h] book4 ,y look z if y _h se5 a gho/4 ,ah1 b1 mademoiselle--x ees j l t4 ,! safe--if mademoiselle w come d[n/airs1 ,i w %[ x y4 ,puzzl$ b int]e/$1 ,ela9e foll[$ h]4 ,9 ! libr>y ,j5n+s po9t$ mutely at ! new safe4 ,ela9e approa*$ x4 ,z !y /ood ab\t new beads ( p]spiration1 z x 71 =m$ on x4 ,ela9e t\*$ x1 & also quickly )drew h] h&4 ,i c't imag9e :at's ! matt]1 %e said4 ,b--well--,j5n+s1 y may g--& ,m>ie1 also4 ,:5 ! s]vants _h gone %e /ill reg>d$ ! safe ) ! same wond]+ look1 !n turn+ out ! light1 %e foll[$4 ,%e _h sc>cely disappe>$ :51 f ! porti]$ doorway ne>by1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& appe>$1 &1 aft] gaz+ out at !m1 took a quick look at ! safe4 ,good6 he mutt]$4 ,noiselessly ,mi*ael ( ! s9i/] face mov$ 9 & took a position 9 ! c5t] ( ! room1 z if on gu>d1 :ile ,clut*+ ,h& sat be=e ! safe wat*+ x int5tly4 ,someone at ! door--,j5n+s is answ]+ ! bell1 ,mi*ael :isp]$ ho>sely4 ,conf\nd x6 mutt]$ ,clut*+ ,h&1 z bo? mov$ aga9 beh9d ! heavy vel\r curta9s4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,i'm s glad to see y1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 greet$ ,ela9e unaffect$ly z ,j5n+s admitt$ u4 ,%e _h he>d ! bell & 0 com+ d[n/airs z we ent]$4 ,we ?ree mov$ t[>d ! libr>y & someone swit*$ on ! lights4 ,craig /rode ov] to ! safe4 ,! cold sweat on x _h n[ turn$ to icicles4 ,craig's face cl\d$ ) ?\ght z he exam9$ x m closely4 ,!re 0 actually a groan+ s\nd f )94 ,x c't be op5$1 he said to himself4 ,! "t lock is set = tomorr[ morn+4 ,outside1 if we _h n be5 s absorb$ 9 ! pres5t my/]y1 we might h se5 ,mi*ael & ! ,clut*+ ,h& li/5+ to u4 ,clut*+ ,h& look$ ha/ily at 8 wat*4 ,! deuce6 he mutt]$ "u 8 brea?1 /ifl+ 8 suppress$ fury4 ,we /ood look+ at ! safe4 ,k5n$y 0 deeply int]e/$1 ,ela9e /&+ close beside him4 ,sudd5ly he seem$ to make up 8 m9d4 ,quick--,ela9e6 he cri$1 tak+ h] arm4 ,/& back6 ,we all retreat$4 ,! safe door1 p[]ful z x 01 _h actually begun to w>p & b5d4 ,! plates 7 bulg+4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ) a l\d report & concussion ! door blew (f4 ,a bla/ ( cold air & flakes l sn[ flew out4 ,pap]s 7 scatt]$ on e side4 ,we /ood gaz+1 agha/1 a second1 !n ran =w>d4 ,k5n$y quickly exam9$ ! safe4 ,he b5t d[n & f ! wreck took up a package1 n[ cov]$ ) :ite4 ,z quickly he dropp$ x4 ,t is ! package t 0 s5t1 cri$ ,ela9e4 ,tak+ x 9 a table cov]1 he laid x on ! table & op5$ x4 ,inside 0 a peculi> %ap$ flask1 op5 at ! top1 b l a vacuum bottle4 ,a ,dew> flask6 ejaculat$ ,craig4 ,:at is x8 ask$ ,ela9e1 appeal+ to him4 ,liquid air6 he answ]$4 ,z x evaporat$1 ! t]rific pressure ( exp&+ air 9 ! safe increas$ until x blew out ! door4 ,t is :at caus$ ! cold sweat+ & ! groans4 ,we wat*$ him1 />tl$4 ,on ! o!r side ( ! porti]es ,mi*ael & ,clut*+ ,h& wait$4 ,!n1 9 ! g5]al confusion1 ,clut*+ ,h& sl[ly disappe>$1 foil$4 ,:]e did ?is package come f8 ask$ ,k5n$y ( ,j5n+s suspici\sly4 ,j5n+s look$ blank4 ,:y1 put 9 ,ela9e1 ,mi*ael br\ght x to me4 ,get ,mi*ael1 ord]$ ,k5n$y4 ,yes1 sir1 nodd$ ,j5n+s4 ,a mom5t lat] he return$4 ,i f\nd him1 go+ up/airs1 report$ ,j5n+s1 lead+ ,mi*ael 94 ,:]e did y get ?is package8 %ot out ,k5n$y4 ,x 0 left at ! door1 sir1 by a boy1 sir4 ,"q aft] "q c\ld n %ake t simple1 /olid s5t5ce4 ,k5n$y fr[n$4 ,y may g1 he said f9ally1 z if res]v+ some?+ = ,mi*ael lat]4 ,a sudd5 exclamation foll[$ f ,ela9e z ,mi*ael pass$ d[n ! hall aga94 ,%e _h mov$ ov] to ! desk1 dur+ ! que/ion+1 & 0 lean+ aga9/ x4 ,inadv]t5tly %e _h t\*$ an envelope4 ,x 0 address$1 ,craig ,k5n$y4 ,craig tore x op51 ,ela9e b5d+ anxi\sly ov] 8 %\ld]1 fright5$4 ,we read3 ,,y ,,h ,,int]f]$ ,,= ,,! ,,la/ ,,"t4 ,,x ,,is ,,! ,,end4 ,b5ea? x /ood ! fe>some sign ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! w>n+ ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h no o!r effect on ,k5n$y ?an ! r$\bl+ ( 8 precautions = safety4 ,no?+ fur!r happ5$ t night1 h[ev]1 & ! next morn+ f\nd u e>ly at ! laboratory4 ,x 0 ! late =5oon1 :5 aft] a hurri$ trip d[n to ! (fice1 ,i rejo9$ ,k5n$y at 8 sci5tific work%op4 ,we walk$ d[n ! /reet :5 a big lim\s9e %ot pa/4 ,k5n$y /opp$ 9 ! middle ( a rem>k4 ,he _h recogniz$ ! c>1 ) a sort ( in/9ct4 ,at ! same mom5t ,i saw a smil+ face at ! w9d[ ( ! c>4 ,x 0 ,ela9e ,dodge4 ,! c> /opp$ 9 some?+ less ?an twice its l5g? & !n back$ t[>d u4 ,k5n$y1 hat (f1 0 at ! w9d[ 9 a mom5t4 ,!re 7 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 & ,susie ,m>t91 also4 ,:]e are y boys go+8 ask$ ,ela9e1 ) int]e/1 !n add$ ) a gaiety t ill conceal$ h] real anxiety1 ,i'm s glad to see y--to see t--er--no?+ has happ5$ f t dreadful ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,:y1 we 7 j go+ up to our rooms1 repli$ ,k5n$y4 ,c't we drive y ar\nd8 ,we climb$ 9 & a mom5t lat] 7 (f4 ,! ride 0 only too %ort = ,k5n$y4 ,we /epp$ out 9 front ( our ap>tm5t & /ood *att+ = a mom5t4 ,"s day ,i want to %[ y ! laboratory1 ,craig 0 say+4 ,x mu/ be s--int]e/+6 exclaim$ ,ela9e en?usia/ically4 ,?9k ( all ! bad m5 y mu/ h caught6 ,i h q a collection ( /uff "h at our rooms1 rem>k$ ,craig1 almo/ a museum4 ,/ill1 he v5tur$1 ,i c't promise t ! place is 9 ord]1 he laugh$4 ,ela9e hesitat$4 ,w\ld y l to see x8 %e :e$l$ ( ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,aunt ,joseph9e nodd$ acquiesc5ce1 & a mom5t lat] we all ent]$ ! build+4 ,y--y are v c>eful s9ce t la/ w>n+8 ask$ ,ela9e z we approa*$ our door4 ,m ?an ev]--n[1 repli$ ,craig4 ,i h made up my m9d to w94 ,%e seem$ to cat* at ! words z ?\gh !y _h a hidd5 mean+1 look+ fir/ at him & !n away1 n displeas$4 ,k5n$y _h />t$ to unlock ! door1 :5 he /opp$ %ort4 ,see1 he said1 ?is is a precaution ,i h j in/all$4 ,i almo/ =got 9 ! excitem5t4 ,he press$ a panel & disclos$ ! box-l app>atus4 ,?is is my seismograph :i* tells me :e!r ,i h _h any visitors 9 my abs5ce4 ,if ! p5 traces a /raight l9e1 x is1 all "r2 b if--hello--,walt]1 ! l9e is wavy4 ,we ex*ang$ a significant glance4 ,w\ld y m9d--er--/&+ d[n ! hall j a bit :ile ,i ent]8 ask$ ,craig4 ,be c>eful1 caution$ ,ela9e4 ,he unlock$ ! door1 /&+ (f to "o side4 ,!n he ext5d$ 8 h& across ! doorway4 ,/ill no?+ happ5$4 ,!re 0 n a s\nd4 ,he look$ cauti\sly into ! room4 ,app>5tly !re 0 no?+4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x _h be5 ab\t ! middle ( ! morn+ t an express wagon _h pull$ up %>ply be=e our ap>tm5t4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y live "h8 ask$ "o ( ! expressm51 desc5d+ ) 8 help] & approa*+ our janitor1 ,j5s ,j5s51 a typical ,sw$e1 :o 0 com+ up out ( ! basem5t4 ,j5s gr[l$ a surly1 ,yes--b ,mr4 ,kannady1 he bane out4 ,too bad--we've got ?is l>ge cab9et he ord]$ f ,gr& ,rapids4 ,we c't c>t x ar\nd all day4 ,c't y let u 9 s we c leave x8 ,j5s5 mutt]$4 ,wall--,i guess x bane all "r4 ,!y took ! cab9et (f ! wagon & c>ri$ x up/airs4 ,j5s5 op5$ our door1 /ill grumbl+1 & !y plac$ ! heavy cab9et 9 ! liv+ room4 ,sign "h4 ,y fall]s bane a nuisance1 prote/$ ,j5s1 sign+ nev]!less4 ,sc>cely _h ! s\nd ox _! footfalls di$ away 9 ! outside hallway :5 ! door ( ! cab9et sl[ly op5$ & a mask$ face protrud$1 gaz+ ab\t ! room4 ,x 0 ! ,clut*+ ,h&6 ,f ! cab9et he took a l>ge package wrapp$ 9 newspap]s4 ,z he held x1 look+ ke5ly ab\t1 8 eye re/$ on ,ela9e's picture4 ,a mom5t he look$ at x1 !n quickly at ! fireplace opposite4 ,an idea seem$ to occur to him4 ,he took ! package to ! fireplace1 remov$ ! scre51 & laid ! package ov] ! &irons ) "o end po9t+ out into ! room4 ,next he took f ! cab9et a c\ple ( /orage batt]ies & a coil ( wire4 ,deftly & quickly he fix$ !m on ! package4 ,mean:ile1 be=e an alleyway across ! /reet & fur!r d[n ! long block ! express wagon _h /opp$4 ,! driv] & 8 help] clamb]$ out & = a mom5t /ood talk+ 9 l[ tones1 ) cov]t glances at our ap>tm5t4 ,!y mov$ into ! alley & ! driv] drew out a batt]$ pair ( op]a glasses1 levell+ !m at our w9d[s4 ,hav+ complet$ fix+ ! batt]ies & wires1 ,clut*+ ,h& ran ! wires along ! m\ld+ on ! wall ov]head1 f ! fireplace until he 0 directly ov] ,ela9e's picture4 ,skillfully1 he manag$ to fix ! wires1 us+ !m 9 place ( ! picture wires to support ! fram$ photograph4 ,!n he c>efully mov$ ! photograph until x hung v noticeably askew on ! wall4 ,! la/ wire jo9$1 he look$ ab\t ! room1 !n noiselessly mov$ to ! w9d[ & rais$ ! %ade4 ,quickly he rais$ 8 h& & br\ght ! f+]s sl[ly toge!r4 ,x 0 ! sign4 ,(f 9 ! alley1 ! express driv] & 8 help] 7 /ill gaz+ up ?r\gh ! op]a glass4 ,:at d'ye see1 ,bill8 he ask$1 h&+ ov] ! glass4 ,! o!r took x & look$4 ,x's him--! ,h&1 ,jack1 :isp]$ ! help]1 h&+ ! glasses back4 ,!y jump$ into ! wagon & away x rattl$4 ,j5s5 0 smok+ placidly z ! wagon pull$ up ! second "t4 ,sorry1 said ! driv] %eepi%ly1 b we deliv]$ ! cab9et to ! wrong ,mr4 ,k5n$y4 ,he pull$ out ! inevitable book to prove x4 ,wall1 y bane f9e fall]s1 gr[l$ ,j5s51 puff+ l a furnace1 9 8 fury4 ,y _c g up agane4 ,we'll get fir$ = ! mi/ake1 plead$ ! help]4 ,j ?is once1 urg$ ! driv]1 z he rattl$ "s loose *ange 9 8 pocket4 ,"h--!re goes a :ole day's tips4 ,he h&$ ,j5s a doll> 9 small *ange4 ,/ill grumpy b mollifi$ by ! silv] ,j5s let !m g up & op5$ ! door to our rooms aga94 ,!re /ood ! cab9et1 z outw>dly innoc5t z :5 x came 94 ,lugg+ & tugg+ !y manag$ to get ! heavy piece ( furniture out & d[n/airs aga91 load+ x on ! wagon4 ,!n !y drove (f ) x1 accompani$ by a p>t+ volley f ,j5s54 ,9 an unfrequ5t$ /reet1 p]haps half a mile away1 ! wagon /opp$4 ,) a ke5 glance ar\nd1 ! driv] & 8 help] made sure t no "o 0 ab\t4 ,su* a %ak+ up z y've giv5 me6 gr[l$ a voice z ! cab9et door op5$4 ,b ,i've got him ?is "t6 ,x 0 ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,!re1 m51 y c leave me "h1 he ord]$4 ,he motion$ to !m to drive (f &1 z !y did s1 pull$ (f 8 mask+ h&k]*ief & div$ into a n>r[ /reet lead+ up to a ?or\ghf>e4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,craig gaz$ into our liv+ room cauti\sly4 ,i c't see any?+ wrong1 he said to me z ,i /ood j beside him4 ,miss ,dodge1 he add$1 w y & ! re/ excuse me if ,i ask y to wait j a mom5t long]8 ,ela9e wat*$ him1 fasc9at$4 ,he cross$ ! room1 !n w5t into ea* ( our o!r rooms4 ,app>5tly no?+ 0 wrong & a m9ute lat] he reappe>$ at ! doorway4 ,i guess x's all "r1 he said4 ,p]haps x 0 only ,j5s51 ! janitor4 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,susie ,m>t9 ent]$4 ,craig plac$ *airs = !m1 b /ill ,i c\ld see t he 0 uneasy4 ,f "t to "t1 :ile !y 7 admir+ "o ( our treasures aft] ano!r1 he glanc$ ab\t suspici\sly4 ,f9ally he mov$ ov] to a closet & flung ! door op51 ready = any?+4 ,no "o 0 9 ! closet & he clos$ x ha/ily4 ,:at is ! tr\ble1 d y ?9k8 ask$ ,ela9e wond]+ly1 notic+ 8 mann]4 ,i--,i c't j say1 answ]$ ,craig1 try+ to appe> easy4 ,%e _h ris5 & ) ke5 int]e/ 0 look+ at ! books1 ! pictures1 ! que] collection ( weapons & odds & ends f ! und]world t ,craig _h amass$ 9 8 adv5tures4 ,at la/ h] eye w&]$ across ! room4 ,%e caught sight ( h] own picture1 occupy+ a place ( honor--b hang+ askew4 ,isn't t j l a man6 %e exclaim$ laugh+ly4 ,su* h\sekeep]s z y are--su* c>elessness6 ,%e _h tak5 a /ep or two across ! room to /raight5 ! picture4 ,miss ,dodge6 almo/ %\t$ ,k5n$y1 8 face fairly blan*$1 ,/op6 ,%e turn$1 h] /unn+ eyes fill$ ) amazem5t at 8 sudd5ness4 ,nev]!less %e mov$ quickly to "o side1 z he wav$ 8 arms1 unable to speak quickly en\gh4 ,k5n$y /ood q /ill1 gaz+ at ! picture1 askew1 ) suspicion4 ,t wasn't t way :5 we left1 0 x1 ,walt]8 he ask$4 ,x c]ta9ly 0 n1 ,i answ]$ positively1 ,!re 0 m "t sp5t 9 gett+ t picture j "r ?an ,i ev] saw y sp5d on all ! re/ ( ! room4 ,craig fr[n$4 ,z = myself1 ,i did n "k :at to make ( x4 ,i'm afraid ,i %all h to ask y to /ep into ?is back room1 said ,craig at l5g? to ! ladies4 ,i'm sorry--b we c't be too c>eful ) ?is intrud]1 :oev] he 04 ,!y rose1 surpris$1 b1 z he cont9u$ to urge !m1 !y mov$ into my room4 ,ela9e1 h[ev]1 /opp$ at ! door4 ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y appe>$ to be consid]+4 ,!n 8 eye fell on a fi%+ rod t /ood 9 a corn]4 ,he took x & mov$ t[>d ! picture4 ,on 8 h&s & knees1 to "o side1 d[n z close z he c\ld get to ! floor1 ) ! rod ext5d$ at arm's l5g?1 he motion$ to me to d ! same1 beh9d him4 ,ela9e1 unable to repress h] int]e/ took a half /ep =w>d1 brea?less1 f ! doorway1 :ile ,susie ,m>t9 & ,aunt ,joseph9e /ood close beh9d h]4 ,c>efully ,k5n$y rea*$ out ) ! pole & /raight5$ ! picture4 ,z he did s !re 0 a fla%1 a l\d1 deaf5+ report1 & a great puff ( smoke f ! fireplace4 ,! fire scre5 0 riddl$ & ov]turn$4 ,a *>ge ( buck%ot %att]$ ! preci\s photograph ( ,ela9e4 ,we _h dropp$ flat on ! floor at ! report4 ,i look$ ab\t4 ,k5n$y 0 unh>m$1 & s 7 ! re/4 ,) a b\nd he 0 at ! fireplace1 foll[$ by ,ela9e & ! re/ ( u4 ,!re1 9 :at rema9$ ( a package done up r\ghly 9 newspap]1 0 a %ot gun ) its b>rel saw$ (f ab\t six in*es f ! lock1 fa/5$ to a block ( wood1 & connect$ to a s]ies ( spr+s on ! trigg]1 releas$ by a little electromagnetic arrangem5t actuat$ by two batt]ies & lead+ by wires up along ! m\ld+ to ! picture :]e ! slighte/ t\* w\ld complete ! circuit4 ,! newspap]s :i* 7 wrapp$ ab\t ! deadly ?+ 7 burn+1 & ,k5n$y quickly tore !m (f1 ?r[+ !m into ! fireplace4 ,a />tl$ cry f ,ela9e caus$ u to turn4 ,%e 0 /&+ directly be=e h] %att]$ picture :]e x hung awry on ! wall4 ,! heavy *>ges ( buck%ot _h knock$ away l>ge pieces ( pap] & pla/] "u x4 ,craig6 %e gasp$4 ,he 0 at h] side 9 a second4 ,%e laid "o h& on 8 arm1 z %e fac$ him4 ,) ! o!r %e trac$ an imag9>y l9e 9 ! air f ! level ( ! buck%ot to 8 head & !n /raight to ! inf]nal ?+ t _h la9 9 ! fireplace4 ,& to ?9k1 %e %udd]$1 t x 0 ?r\gh ,,me t he tri$ to kill y6 ,nev] m9d1 laugh$ ,craig easily1 z !y gaz$ into ea* o!r's eyes1 drawn toge!r by _! mutual p]il1 ,clut*+ ,h& w h to be clev]] ?an ?is to get ei!r ( u--,ela9e6 ,,*apt] ,v ,,! ,,poison$ ,,room ,ela9e & ,craig 7 mu* toge!r dur+ ! next few days4 ,someh[ or o!r1 x seem$ t ! *ase ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& involv$ long conf]5ces 9 ! ,dodge libr>y & ev51 9 fact1 ext5d$ to excursions into t notori\sly crime-infe/$ neighborhood ( ,riv]side ,drive ) its fa%ionable processions ( automobiles & g-c>ts--z f> nor?1 inde$1 z t desp]ate haunt kn[n z ,grant's ,tomb4 ,m ?an t1 ^! delv+s into ! und]world involv$ ,k5n$y 9 ! necessity ( we>+ a frock coat & silk hat 9 ! aft]noon1 & ,i f\nd t he 0 select+ 8 neckwe> ) a c>e t _h be5 utt]ly =eign to him dur+ all ! ye>s previ\s t ,i _h kn[n him4 ,x all look$ v suspici\s to me4 ,b1 to return to ! m s]i\s side ( ! affair4 ,k5n$y & ,ela9e _h sc>cely come out ( ! h\se & desc5d$ ! /eps1 "o aft]noon1 :5 a s9i/] face appe>$ 9 a basem5t areaway ne>by4 ,! figure 0 cr\*$ ov]1 ) 8 back hump$ up almo/ z if de=m$1 & 8 left h& _h an unmi/akable twi/4 ,x 0 ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,he wore a telephone inspector's hat & coat & c>ri$ a bag slung by a /rap ov] 8 %\ld]4 ,= once he _h left (f 8 mask1 b1 9 place ( x1 8 face 0 cov]$ by a scraggly black be>d4 ,9 fact1 he seem$ to avoid turn+ 8 face full1 ?ree-qu>t]s or ev5 pr(ile to anyone1 unless he _h to d s4 ,z mu* z possible he av]t$ x1 b he did s 9 a clev] way t made x seem q natural4 ,! disguise 0 effective4 ,he saw ,k5n$y & ,miss ,dodge & slunk unobtrusively aga9/ a rail+1 ) 8 head turn$ away4 ,laugh+ & *att+1 !y pass$4 ,z !y walk$ d[n ! /reet1 ,clut*+ ,h& turn$ & gaz$ aft] !m4 ,involunt>ily ! m5ac+ h& clut*$ 9 op5 hatr$4 ,!n he turn$ 9 ! o!r direction &1 go+ up ! /eps ( ! ,dodge h\se1 rang ! bell4 ,telephone inspector1 he said 9 a l\d tone z ,mi*ael1 9 ,j5n+s' place = ! aft]noon1 op5$ ! door4 ,he accompani$ ! words ) ! sign & ,mi*ael1 tak+ c>e t ! words be he>d1 9 case anyone 0 li/5+1 admitt$ him4 ,z x happ5$1 ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 up/airs 9 ,ela9e's room4 ,%e 0 fix+ fl[]s 9 a vase on ! dress+ table ( h] idoliz$ niece4 ,mean:ile1 ,ru/y1 ! collie1 lay1 half bl9k+1 on ! floor4 ,:o is ?is8 %e ask$1 z ,mi*ael l$ ! bogus telephone inspector into ! room4 ,a man f ! telephone company1 he answ]$ def]5tially4 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 unsophi/icat$1 all[$ !m to ent] )\t a fur!r "q4 ,quickly1 l a good workman1 ,clut*+ ,h& w5t to ! telephone in/rum5t & by d9t ( keep+ 8 f+] on ! hook & 8 back to ,aunt ,joseph9e succe$$ 9 convey+ ! illusion t he 0 exam9+ x4 ,aunt ,joseph9e mov$ to ! door4 ,n s1 ,ru/y4 ,he did n l ! looks ( ! /rang] & he _h no scruples aga9/ lett+ x be kn[n4 ,z %e put h] h& on ! knob to g out into ! hall1 ,ru/y utt]$ a l[ gr[l :i* grew into a full-lung$ sn>l at ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,clut*+ ,h& kick$ at him vigor\sly1 if surreptiti\sly4 ,ru/y b>k$4 ,lady1 he disguis$ 8 voice1 w y] please t] call (f ! dog8 ,me & him don't seem to cotton to ea* o!r4 ,"h1 ,ru/y1 %e comm&$1 d[n6 ,toge!r ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,mi*ael remov$ ! /ill prote/+ ,ru/y4 ,no soon] 0 ! door %ut ?an ! ,clut*+ ,h& mov$ ov] swiftly to x4 ,= a few seconds1 he /ood gaz+ at !m z !y disappe>$ d[n-/airs4 ,!n he came back into ! c5t] ( ! room4 ,ha/ily he op5$ 8 bag & f x drew a small p[d]-spray+ outfit su* z ,i h se5 us$ = spray+ bug-p[d]4 ,he !n took out a sort ( muzzle ) an ela/ic b& on x & slipp$ x ov] 8 head s t ! muzzle protect$ 8 nose & m\?4 ,he seem$ to "w a sort ( pump+ atta*m5t & f ! nozzle ( ! spray+ in/rum5t blew out a cl\d ( p[d] :i* he direct$ at ! wall4 ,! wall pap] 0 "o ( ^? ri*1 fuzzy v>ieties & x seem$ to cat* ! p[d]4 ,clut*+ ,h& appe>$ to be m ?an satisfi$ ) ! effect4 ,mean:ile1 ,mi*ael1 9 ! hallway1 on gu>d to see t no "o bo!r$ ! ,clut*+ ,h& at 8 "w1 0 ov]come by curiosity to see :at 8 ma/] 0 do+4 ,he op5$ ! door a little bit & gaz$ /eal?ily ?r\gh ! crack into ! room4 ,clut*+ ,h& 0 n[ spray+ ! rug close to ! dress+ table ( ,ela9e & 0 /&+ ne> ! mirror4 ,he /oop$ d[n to exam9e ! rug4 ,!n1 z he rais$ 8 head1 he happ5$ to look into ! mirror4 ,9 x he c\ld see ! full reflection ( ,mi*ael beh9d him1 gaz+ into ! room4 ,! sc\ndrel6 mutt]$ ,clut*+ ,h&1 ) repress$ fury at ! discov]y4 ,he rose quickly & %ut (f ! spray+ in/rum5t1 /uff+ x into ! bag4 ,he took a /ep or two t[>d ! door4 ,mi*ael drew back1 fe>fully1 pret5d+ n[ to be on gu>d4 ,clut*+ ,h& op5$ ! door &1 /ill we>+ ! muzzle1 beckon$ to ,mi*ael4 ,mi*ael c\ld sc>cely control 8 fe>s4 ,b he obey$1 ent]+ ,ela9e's room aft] ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 :o lock$ ! door4 ,7 y wat*+ me8 dem&$ ! ma/] crim9al1 ) rage4 ,mi*ael1 trembl+ all ov]1 %ook 8 head4 ,= a mom5t ,clut*+ ,h& look$ him ov] disda9fully at ! clumsy lie4 ,!n he brutally /ruck ,mi*ael 9 ! face1 knock+ him d[n4 ,an ungov]nable1 almo/ insane fury seem$ to possess ! man z he /ood ov] ! pro/rate footman1 curs+4 ,get up6 he ord]$4 ,mi*ael obey$1 ?or\ghly c[$4 ,take me to ! cell>1 n[1 he dem&$4 ,mi*ael l$ ! way f ! room )\t a prote/1 ! ma/] crim9al foll[+ him closely4 ,d[n into ! cell>1 by a back way1 !y w5t1 ,clut*+ ,h& /ill we>+ 8 muzzle & ,mi*ael say+ n a ^w4 ,sudd5ly ,clut*+ ,h& turn$ on him & seiz$ him by ! coll>4 ,n[1 g up/airs1 y1 he mutt]$1 %ak+ him until 8 tee? fairly *att]$1 & if y wat* me aga9--,i'll kill y6 ,he ?ru/ ,mi*ael away & ! footman1 ov]come by fe>1 hurri$ up/airs4 ,/ill trembl+ & fe>ful1 ,mi*ael paus$ ,9 ! hallway1 look+ back res5tfully1 = ev5 "o :o is 9 ! p[] ( a sup]-crim9al is /ill human & has feel+s t may be injur$4 ,mi*ael put 8 h& on 8 face :]e ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h /ruck him4 ,!re he wait$1 mutt]+ to himself4 ,z he ?\ght x ov]1 ang] took ! place ( fe>4 ,he sl[ly turn$ 9 ! direction ( ! cell>4 ,clos+ bo? 8 fi/s1 ,mi*ael made a ?reat5+ ge/ure at 8 ma/] 9 crime4 ,mean:ile1 ,clut*+ ,h& 0 /&+ by ! electric met]4 ,he exam9$ x c>efully1 feel+ :]e ! wires ent]$ & left x />t+ to trace !m out4 ,at la/ he came to a po9t :]e x seem$ suitable to make a connection = "s purpose he _h 9 m9d4 ,quickly he took "s wire f 8 bag & connect$ x ) ! electric light wires4 ,next1 he l$ ^! wires1 conceal$ ( c\rse1 along ! cell> floor1 9 ! direction ( ! furnace4 ,! furnace 0 "o ( ! old hot air heat]s & he paus$ be=e x z ?\gh seek+ some?+4 ,!n he b5t d[n beside x & uncov]$ a little tank4 ,he took (f ! top on :i* 7 ca/ 9 ! iron ! words3 ,?is tank mu/ be kept full ( wat]4 ,he ?ru/ 8 h& g+]ly into x1 br++ x out quickly4 ,! tank 0 ne>ly full ( wat] & he br\ght 8 h& out wet4 ,x 0 also hot4 ,b he did n seem to m9d t1 = he %ook 8 head ) a smile ( satisfaction4 ,next1 f 8 capaci\s bag he took two metal poles1 or electrodes1 & fa/5$ !m c>efully to ! ends ( ! wires1 plac+ !m at opposite ends ( ! tank 9 ! wat]4 ,= sev]al mom5ts he wat*$4 ,! wat] inside ! tank seem$ ! same z be=e1 only on ea* electrode !re appe>$ bubbles1 on "o bubbles ( oxyg51 on ! o!r ( hydrog54 ,! wat] 0 decompos+ "u ! curr5t by electrolysis4 ,ano!r mom5t he survey$ 8 "w to see t he _h left no loose ends4 ,!n he pick$ up 8 bag & mov$ t[>d ! cell> /eps4 ,z he did s1 he remov$ ! muzzle f 8 nose & quietly let himself out ( ! h\se4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! next morn+1 ,ru/y1 :o _h be5 ,ela9e's con/ant companion s9ce ! tr\ble _h begun1 awak5$ 8 mi/ress by lick+ h] h& z x hung limply ov] ! side ( h] b$4 ,%e awak5$ ) a />t & put h] h& to h] head4 ,%e felt ill4 ,poor old fell[1 %e murmur$1 half daz$ly1 = ! mom5t end[+ h] pet ) h] own feel+s1 z %e patt$ 8 fai?ful %aggy head4 ,ru/y mov$ away aga91 wagg+ 8 tail li/lessly4 ,! collie1 too1 felt ill4 ,ela9e wat*$ him z he walk$1 deject$1 across ! room & !n lay d[n4 ,:y1 ,miss ,ela9e--:at ees ze mattair8 ,y are s pale6 exclaim$ ! maid1 ,m>ie1 z %e ent]$ ! room a mom5t lat] ) ! morn+'s mail on a salv]4 ,i don't feel well1 ,m>ie1 %e repli$1 try+ ) h] sl5d] :ite h& to bru% ! cobwebs f h] bra94 ,i--,i wi% y'd tell ,aunt ,joseph9e to telephone ,dr4 ,hayw>d4 ,yes1 mademoiselle1 answ]$ ,m>ie1 deftly & sympa!tically /raight5+ out ! pill[s4 ,languidly ,ela9e took ! lett]s "o by "o (f ! salv]4 ,%e look$ at !m1 b seem$ n to h en]gy en\gh to op5 !m4 ,f9ally %e select$ "o & sl[ly tore x op54 ,x _h no sup]scription1 b x at once arre/$ h] att5tion & transfix$ h] ) t]ror4 ,x read3 ,,y ,,are ,,sick ,,?is ,,morn+4 ,,tomorr[ ,,y ,,w ,,be ,,worse4 ,,! ,,next ,,day ,,y ,,w ,,die ,,unless ,,y ,,dis*>ge ,,craig ,,k5n$y4 ,x 0 sign$ by ! my/ic tradem>k ( ! fe>some ,clut*+ ,h&6 ,ela9e drew back into ! pill[s1 horror /rick54 ,quickly %e call$ to ,m>ie4 ,g--get ,aunt ,joseph9e--"r away6 ,z ,m>ie almo/ flew d[n ! hall1 ,ela9e /ill hold+ ! lett] convulsively1 pull$ h]self toge!r & got up1 trembl+4 ,%e almo/ seiz$ ! telephone z %e call$ ,k5n$y's numb]4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y1 9 8 /a9$ laboratory apron1 0 at "w be=e 8 table1 :ile ,i 0 wat*+ him ) int5se int]e/1 :5 ! telephone rang4 ,)\t a ^w he answ]$ ! call & ,i c\ld see a look ( p]turbation cross 8 face4 ,i knew x 0 f ,ela9e1 b c\ld tell no?+ ab\t ! nature ( ! message4 ,an in/ant lat] he almo/ tore (f ! apron & ?rew on 8 hat & coat4 ,i foll[$ him z he da%$ out ( ! laboratory4 ,?is is t]rible--t]rible1 he mutt]$1 z we hurri$ across ! campus ( ! ,univ]sity to a taxi-cab /&4 ,a few m9utes lat]1 :5 we arriv$ at ! ,dodge mansion1 we f\nd ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,m>ie do+ all !y c\ld "u ! circum/ances4 ,aunt ,joseph9e _h j giv5 h] a glass ( wat] :i* %e drank eag]ly4 ,ru/y _h1 mean:ile1 crawl$ "u ! b$1 c>+ only to be alone & undi/urb$4 ,dr4 ,hayw>d _h arriv$ & _h j f9i%$ tak+ h] pulse & temp]ature z our cab pull$ up4 ,j5n+s :o _h evid5tly be5 expect+ u let u 9 )\t a ^w & conduct$ u up to ,ela9e's room4 ,we knock$4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y & ,mr4 ,jameson1 we c\ld he> ,m>ie :isp] 9 a subdu$ voice4 ,tell !m to come 91 answ]$ ,ela9e eag]ly4 ,we ent]$4 ,!re %e lay1 beautiful z ev]1 b ) a :it5ess ( h] fre% *eek t 0 too e!rially unnatural4 ,ela9e 0 q ill inde$4 ,oh--,i'm s glad to see y1 %e brea!d1 ) an air ( relief z ,k5n$y advanc$4 ,:y--:at is ! matt]8 ask$ ,craig1 anxi\sly4 ,dr4 ,hayw>d %ook 8 head dubi\sly1 b ,k5n$y did n notice him1 =1 z he approa*$ ,ela9e1 %e drew f ! cov]s :]e %e _h conceal$ x a lett] & h&$ x to him4 ,craig took x & read3 ,,y ,,are ,,sick ,,?is ,,morn+4 ,,tomorr[ ,,y ,,w ,,be ,,worse4 ,,! ,,next ,,day ,,y ,,w ,,die ,,unless ,,y ,,dis*>ge ,,craig ,,k5n$y4 ,at ! signature ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& he fr[n$1 !n1 notic+ ,dr4 ,hayw>d1 turn$ to him & repeat$ 8 "q1 ,:at is ! matt]8 ,dr4 ,hayw>d cont9u$ %ak+ 8 head4 ,i _c diagnose h] symptoms1 he %rugg$4 ,z ,i wat*$ ,k5n$y's face1 ,i saw 8 no/rils dilat+1 almo/ z if he 7 a h\nd & _h sc5t$ 8 qu>ry4 ,i sniff$1 too4 ,!re seem$ to be a fa9t odor1 almo/ z if ( g>lic1 9 ! room4 ,x 0 unmi/akable & ,craig look$ ab\t him curi\sly b said no?+4 ,z he sniff$1 he mov$ impati5tly & 8 foot t\*$ ,ru/y1 "u ! b$4 ,ru/y :9$ & mov$ back lazily4 ,craig b5t ov] & look$ at him4 ,:at's ! matt] ) ,ru/y8 he ask$4 ,is he sick1 too8 ,:y--yes1 answ]$ ,ela9e1 foll[+ ,craig ) h] deep eyes4 ,poor ,ru/y4 ,he woke me up ?is morn+4 ,he feels z badly z ,i d1 poor old fell[4 ,craig rea*$ d[n & g5tly pull$ ! collie out into ! room4 ,ru/y cr\*$ d[n close to ! floor4 ,8 nose 0 hot & dry & fev]i%4 ,he 0 pla9ly ill4 ,h[ long has ,ru/y be5 9 ! room8 ask$ ,craig4 ,all night1 answ]$ ,ela9e4 ,i w\ldn't ?9k ( be+ )\t him n[4 ,k5n$y lift$ ! dog by 8 front paws4 ,ru/y submitt$ pati5tly1 b )\t any _s4 ,may ,i take ,ru/y along ) me8 he ask$ f9ally4 ,ela9e hesitat$4 ,surely1 %e said at l5g?1 only1 be g5tle ) him4 ,craig look$ at h] z ?\gh x w\ld be impossible to be o!rwise ) any?+ belong+ to ,ela9e4 ,( c\rse1 he said simply4 ,i ?\ght t ,i might be able to discov] ! tr\ble f /udy+ him4 ,we /ay$ only a few m9utes long]1 = ,k5n$y seem$ to realize ! necessity ( do+ some?+ imm$iately & ev5 ,dr4 ,hayw>d 0 fight+ 9 ! d>k4 ,z = me1 ,i gave x up1 too4 ,i c\ld f9d no answ] to ! my/]y ( :at 0 ! peculi> malady ( ,ela9e4 ,back 9 ! laboratory1 ,k5n$y set to "w imm$iately1 bru%+ ev]y?+ else aside4 ,he began by draw+ (f a little ( ,ru/y's blood 9 a tube1 v c>efully4 ,"h1 ,walt]1 he said po9t+ to ! little incision he _h made4 ,w y take c>e ( him8 ,i b\nd up ! w\nd$ leg & gave ! poor bea/ a dr9k ( wat]4 ,ru/y look$ at me gratefully f 8 big sad br[n eyes4 ,he seem$ to appreciate our g5tl5ess & to realize t we 7 try+ to help him4 ,9 ! meantime1 ,craig _h tak5 a flask ) a rubb] /opp]4 ,?r\gh "o hole 9 x 0 fitt$ a long funnel2 ?r\gh ano!r ran a glass tube4 ,! tube connect$ ) a l>ge ,u-%ap$ dry+ tube fill$ ) calcium *loride1 :i*1 9 turn1 connect$ ) a long op5 tube ) an upturn$ end4 ,into ! flask1 ,craig dropp$ "s pure granulat$ z9c4 ,!n he cov]$ x ) dilute sulphuric acid1 p\r$ 9 ?r\gh ! funnel tube4 ,t =ms hydrog5 gas1 he expla9$ to me1 :i* passes ?r\gh ! dry+ tube & ! ignition tube4 ,wait a mom5t until all ! air is expell$ f ! tubes4 ,he light$ a mat* & t\*$ x to ! op51 upturn$ end4 ,! hydrog51 n[ escap+ freely1 0 ignit$ ) a pale blue flame4 ,a few mom5ts lat]1 hav+ extract$ some?+ l a s]um f ! blood he _h drawn (f f ,ru/y4 ,he add$ ! extract to ! mixture 9 ! flask1 p\r+ x 91 also ?r\gh ! funnel tube4 ,almo/ imm$iately ! pale1 blui% flame turn$ to blui% :ite1 & :ite fumes 7 =m$4 ,9 ! ignition tube a sort ( metallic deposit appe>$4 ,quickly ,craig made "o te/ aft] ano!r4 ,z he did s1 ,i sniff$4 ,!re 0 an unmi/akable odor ( g>lic 9 ! air :i* made me ?9k ( :at ,i _h already notic$ 9 ,ela9e's room4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$1 my/ifi$4 ,ars5iurett$ hydrog51 he answ]$1 /ill engag$ 9 v]ify+ 8 te/s4 ,?is is ! ,m>% te/ = ars5ic4 ,i gaz$ f ,k5n$y to ! app>atus1 !n to ,ru/y & a picture ( ,ela9e1 pale & li/less1 fla%$ be=e me4 ,ars5ic6 ,i repeat$ 9 horror4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,i _h sc>cely recov]$ f ! surprise ( ,k5n$y's />tl+ revelation :5 ! telephone rang aga94 ,k5n$y seiz$ ! receiv]1 ?9k+ evid5tly t ! message might be f or ab\t ,ela9e4 ,b f ! look on 8 face & f 8 mann]1 ,i c\ld ga!r t1 al?\gh x 0 n f ,ela9e h]self1 x 0 ab\t some?+ t int]e/$ him greatly4 ,z he talk$1 he took 8 little notebook & ha/ily jott$ d[n some?+ 9 x4 ,/ill1 ,i c\ld n make out :at ! conv]sation 0 ab\t4 ,good6 ,i he>d him say f9ally4 ,i %all keep ! appo9tm5t--absolutely4 ,8 face wore a peculi> puzzl$ look z he hung up ! receiv]4 ,:at 0 x8 ,i ask$ eag]ly4 ,x 0 ,ela9e's footman1 ,mi*ael1 he repli$ ?\ghtfully4 ,z ,i suspect$1 he says t he is a conf$]ate ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& & if we w protect him he w tell u ! tr\ble ) ,ela9e4 ,i consid]$ a mom5t4 ,h['s t8 ,i qu]i$4 ,well1 add$ ,craig1 y see1 ,mi*ael has become infuriat$ by ! treatm5t he receiv$ f ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,i believe he cuff$ him 9 ! face ye/]day4 ,anyway1 he says he has det]m9$ to get ev5 & betray him4 ,s1 aft] he>+ h[ ,ela9e 01 he slipp$ out ( ! s]vant's door & look+ ab\t c>efully to see t he wasn't foll[$1 he w5t /raight to a drug /ore & call$ me up4 ,he seem$ extremely n]v\s & fe>ful4 ,i did n l ! looks ( ! ?+1 & said s4 ,craig1 ,i object$ vehem5tly1 don't g to meet him4 ,x is a trap4 ,k5n$y _h evid5tly consid]$ my objection already4 ,x may be a trap1 he repli$ sl[ly1 b ,ela9e is dy+ & we've got to see ?is ?+ ?r\gh4 ,z he spoke1 he took an automatic f a draw] ( a cab9et & ?ru/ x into 8 pocket4 ,!n he w5t to ano!r draw] & took out sev]al sections ( ?9 tub+ :i* seem$ to be made to fa/5 toge!r z a fi%+ pole is fa/5$1 b 7 n[ sep>ate1 z if ready = travell+4 ,well--are y com+1 ,walt]8 he ask$ f9ally--! only answ] to my flood ( caution4 ,!n he w5t out4 ,i foll[$1 /ill argu+4 ,if ,,y g1 ,i g1 ,i capitulat$4 ,t's all !re is to x4 ,foll[+ ! directions t ,mi*ael _h giv5 ov] ! telephone ,craig l$ me into "o ( ! t\ghe/ p>ts ( ! l[] ,we/ ,side4 ,"h's ! place1 he ann\nc$1 /opp+ across ! /reet f a d+y ,ra9es ,law ,hotel4 ,pretty t\gh1 ,i object$4 ,are y sure8 ,q1 repli$ ,k5n$y1 consult+ 8 note book aga94 ,well1 ,i'll be hang$ if ,i'll g 9 t jo9t1 ,i p]si/$4 ,x _h no effect on ,k5n$y4 ,nons5se1 ,walt]1 he repli$1 cross+ ! /reet4 ,reluctantly ,i foll[$ & we ent]$ ! place4 ,i want a room1 ask$ ,craig z we 7 acco/$ by ! proprietor1 com=tably clad 9 a l\d *eck$ suit & /rip$ %irt sleeves4 ,i _h "o "h once be=e--=ty-n9e1 ,i ?9k4 ,fifty-- ,i began to correct4 ,k5n$y trod h>d on my toes4 ,yes1 =ty-n9e1 he repeat$4 ,! proprietor call$ a /\t negro port]1 wait]1 & bell-hop all comb9$ 9 "o1 :o l$ u up/airs4 ,fohty-n9e1 sah1 he po9t$ out1 z ,k5n$y dropp$ a dime into 8 ready palm4 ,! negro left u & z ,craig />t$ to ent]1 ,i object$1 ,b1 ,craig1 x 0 fifty-n9e1 n =ty-n9e4 ,?is is ! wrong room4 ,i "k x1 he repli$4 ,i _h x writt5 9 ! book4 ,b ,i want =ty-n9e--n[4 ,j foll[ me1 ,walt]4 ,n]v\sly ,i foll[$ him into ! room4 ,don't y und]/&8 he w5t on4 ,room =ty-n9e is probably j ! same z fifty-n9e1 except p]haps ! pictures & furniture1 only x is on ! floor bel[4 ,he gaz$ ab\t ke5ly4 ,!n he took a few /eps to ! w9d[ & ?rew x op54 ,z he /ood !re he took ! p>ts ( ! rods he _h be5 c>ry+ & fitt$ !m toge!r until he _h a pole "s eight or t5 feet long4 ,at "o end 0 a curi\s arrangem5t t seem$ to conta9 l5ses & a mirror4 ,at ! o!r end 0 an eye-piece1 z ne>ly z ,i c\ld make out4 ,:at is t8 ,i ask$ z he complet$ 8 "w4 ,t8 ,t is an in/rum5t some?+ on ! ord] ( a m9iature subm>9e p]iscope1 ,craig repli$1 /ill at "w4 ,i wat*$ him1 fasc9at$ at 8 res\rcefulness4 ,he /eal?ily ?ru/ ! mirror end ( ! p]iscope out ( ! w9d[ & up t[>d ! correspond+ w9d[ up /airs4 ,!n he gaz$ eag]ly ?r\gh ! eye-piece4 ,walt]--look6 he exclaim$ to me4 ,i did4 ,!re1 sure en\gh1 0 ,mi*ael1 pac+ up & d[n ! room4 ,he _h already prec$$ u4 ,9 8 sc>$ & /eal?y mann]1 he _h ent]$ ! ,ra9es ,law hotel :i* ann\nc$ ,furni%$ ,rooms = ,g5tlem5 ,only4 ,!re he _h s\ght a room1 fifty-n9e1 z he _h said4 ,z he came into ! room1 he _h look$ ab\t1 ov]come by ! enormity ( :at he 0 ab\t to d4 ,he lock$ ! door4 ,/ill1 he _h n be5 able to avoid gaz+ ab\t fe>fully1 z he 0 do+ n[ t we saw him4 ,no?+ _h happ5$4 ,yet he bru%$ 8 h& ov] 8 =ehead & brea!d a sigh ( relief4 ,! air seem$ to be /ifl+ him & already he _h gone to ! w9d[ & ?r[n x op54 ,!n he _h gaz$ out z ?\gh !re might be "s unkn[n p]il 9 ! v air4 ,he _h n[ drawn back f ! w9d[ & 0 consid]+4 ,he 0 actually trembl+4 ,%\ld he flee8 ,he :i/l$ s(tly to himself to keep 8 %ak+ fe>s "u control4 ,!n he />t$ to pace up & d[n ! room 9 n]v\s impati5ce & irresolution4 ,z ,i look$ at him n]v\sly walk+ to & fro1 ,i c\ld n help admitt+ t ?+s look$ safe en\gh & all "r to me4 ,k5n$y fold$ ! p]iscope up & we left our room1 m\nt+ ! rema9+ flight ( /airs4 ,9 fifty-n9e we c\ld he> ! measur$ /ep ( ! footman4 ,craig knock$4 ,! foot/eps ceas$4 ,!n ! door op5$ sl[ly & ,i c\ld see a cold blue automatic4 ,look out6 ,i cri$4 ,mi*ael 9 8 fe> _h drawn a gun4 ,x's all "r1 ,mi*ael1 reassur$ ,craig calmly4 ,all "r1 ,walt]1 he add$ to me4 ,! gun dropp$ back into ! footman's pocket4 ,we ent]$ & ,mi*ael aga9 lock$ ! door4 ,n a ^w _h be5 spok5 by him s f>4 ,next ,mi*ael mov$ to ! c5t] ( ! room &1 z ,i realiz$ lat]1 br\ght himself 9 direct l9es ) ! op5 w9d[4 ,he seem$ to be ov]come ) fe> at 8 betrayal & /ood !re brea?+ heavily4 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 he began1 ,i h be5 s mi/reat$ t ,i h made up my m9d to tell y all ,i "k ab\t ?is ,clut*+-- ,sudd5ly he drew a %>p brea? & bo? 8 h&s clut*$ at 8 own brea/4 ,he did n /agg] & fall 9 ! ord9>y mann]1 b seem$ to b5d at ! knees & wai/ & lit]ally crumple d[n on 8 face4 ,we ran to him4 ,craig turn$ him ov] g5tly on 8 back & exam9$ him4 ,he call$4 ,no answ]4 ,mi*ael 0 almo/ pulseless4 ,quickly ,craig tore (f 8 coll> & b>$ 8 brea/1 = ! man seem$ to be /ruggl+ = brea?4 ,z he did s1 he drew f ,mi*ael's *e/ a small1 %>p-po9t$ d>t4 ,:at's t8 ,i ejaculat$1 horror /rick54 ,a poison$ bl[ gun d>t su* z is us$ by ! ,s\? ,am]ican ,indians on ! upp] ,or9oco1 he said sl[ly4 ,he exam9$ x c>efully4 ,:at is ! poison8 ,i ask$4 ,cur>i1 he repli$ simply4 ,x acts on ! respiratory muscles1 p>alyz+ !m1 & caus+ asphyxiation4 ,! d>t seem$ to h be5 made ( a quill ) a v %>p po9t1 holl[1 & conta9+ ! deadly poison 9 ! %>p5$ end4 ,look out6 ,i caution$ z he h&l$ x4 ,oh1 t's all "r1 he answ]$ casually4 ,if ,i don't scrat* myself1 ,i am safe en\gh4 ,i c\ld swall[ ! /uff & x w\ldn't hurt me--unless ,i _h an abrasion ( ! lips or "s int]nal cut4 ,k5n$y cont9u$ to exam9e ! d>t until sudd5ly ,i he>d a l[ exclamation ( surprise f him4 ,inside ! holl[ quill 0 a ?9 %eet ( tissue pap]1 tightly roll$4 ,he drew x out & read3 ,to "k me is ,,dea? ,k5n$y--,take ,w>n+6 ,und]nea? 0 ! inevitable ,clut*+ ,h& sign4 ,we jump$ to our feet4 ,k5n$y ru%$ to ! w9d[ & slamm$ x %ut1 :ile ,i seiz$ ! key f ,mi*ael's pocket1 op5$ ! door & call$ = help4 ,a mom5t be=e1 on ! ro( ( a build+ across ! /reet1 "o might h se5 a b5t1 skulk+ figure4 ,8 face 0 copp] color$ & on 8 head 0 a ?ick ?at* ( matt$ hair4 ,he look$ l a ,s\? ,am]ican ,indian1 9 a v dilapidat$ suit ( ca/(f ,am]ican clo!s4 ,he _h slipp$ out ?r\gh a doorway lead+ to a flight ( /eps f ! ro( to ! hallway ( ! t5em5t4 ,8 fatal d>t s5t on its un]r+ mission ) a precision born ( long ye>s 9 ! ,s\? ,am]ican jungle1 he conceal$ ! deadly bl[-gun 9 8 brea/ pocket1 ) a cruel smile1 &1 l "o ( 8 native v5om\s s]p5ts1 worm$ 8 way d[n ! /airs aga94 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,my outcry br\ght a v]itable battalion ( aid4 ,! hotel proprietor1 ! negro wait]1 & sev]al o!rs da%$ up/airs1 foll[$ %ortly by a portly policeman1 puff+ at ! ex]tion4 ,:at's ! matt]1 "h8 he pant$4 ,ye're all "u arre/6 ,k5n$y quietly pull$ out 8 c>d case & tak+ ! policeman aside %[$ x to him4 ,we _h an appo9tm5t to meet ?is man--9 t ,clut*+ ,h& case1 y "k4 ,he is ,miss ,dodge's footman1 ,craig expla9$4 ,!n he took ! policeman into 8 confid5ce1 %[+ him ! d>t & expla9+ ab\t ! poison4 ,! (fic] />$ blankly4 ,i mu/ get away1 too1 hurri$ on ,craig4 ,(fic]1 ,i w leave y to take *>ge "h4 ,y c dep5d on me = ! inque/4 ,! (fic] nodd$4 ,come on1 ,walt]1 :isp]$ ,craig1 eag] to get away1 !n add+ ! "o ^w1 ,ela9e6 ,i foll[$ ha/ily1 n sl[ to und]/& 8 fe> = h]4 ,nor 7 ,craig's fe>s gr\ndless4 ,9 spite ( all t c\ld be done = h]1 ,ela9e 0 /ill 9 b$1 mu* weak] n[ ?an be=e4 ,:ile we _h be5 gone1 ,dr4 ,hayw>d1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,m>ie 7 di/ract$4 ,m ?an t1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h n neglect$ ! opportunity1 ei!r4 ,sudd5ly1 j be=e our return1 a /one _h come hurtl+ ?r\gh ! w9d[1 )\t w>n+ ( any k9d1 & _h l&$ on ,ela9e's b$4 ,bel[1 z we le>n$ "s "t aft]w>ds1 a c> _h drawn up ha/ily & ! evil-fac$ crook :om ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h us$ to rid himself ( ! in=m]1 ,limpy ,r$1 _h leap$ out & hurl$ ! /one ?r\gh ! w9d[1 z quickly leap+ back into ! c> & :isk+ away4 ,ela9e _h scream$4 ,all _h rea*$ = ! /one4 ,b %e _h be5 ! fir/ to seize x & discov] t ar\nd x 0 wrapp$ a piece ( pap] on :i* 0 ! om9\s w>n+1 sign$ z usual by ! ,h&3 ,mi*ael is dead4 ,tomorr[1 y4 ,!n ,k5n$y4 ,/op be=e x is too late4 ,ela9e _h sunk back into h] pill[s1 pal] ?an ev] f ?is second %ock1 :ile ! o!rs1 z !y read ! note1 7 ov]come by al>m & despair1 at ! sudd5ness ( ! ?+4 ,x 0 j !n t ,k5n$y & ,i arriv$ & 7 admitt$4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 cri$ ,ela9e1 h&+ him ! note4 ,craig took x & read4 ,miss ,dodge1 he said1 z he held ! note out to me1 y are suff]+ f ars5ic poison+--b ,i don't "k yet h[ x is be+ adm9i/]$4 ,he gaz$ ab\t ke5ly4 ,mean:ile1 ,i _h tak5 ! crumpl$ note f him & 0 read+ x4 ,someh[1 ,i _h lean$ aga9/ ! wall4 ,z ,i turn$1 ,craig happ5$ to glance at me4 ,= heav5's sake1 ,walt]1 ,i he>d him exclaim4 ,:at h y be5 up aga9/8 ,he fairly leap$ at me & ,i felt him exam9+ my %\ld] :]e ,i _h be5 lean+ on ! wall4 ,some?+ on ! pap] _h come (f & _h left a :ite m>k on my %\ld]4 ,craig look$ puzzl$ f me to ! wall4 ,ars5ic6 he cri$4 ,he :ipp$ out a pocket l5s & look$ at ! pap]4 ,?is heavy fuzzy pap] is fairly load$ ) x1 p[d]$1 he report$4 ,i look$1 too4 ,! p[d]$ ars5ic 0 pla9ly disc]nible4 ,yes1 "h x is1 he cont9u$1 /&+ absorb$ 9 ?\ght4 ,b :y did x "w s effectively8 ,he sniff$ z he _h be=e4 ,s did ,i4 ,!re 0 /ill ! fa9t smell ( g>lic4 ,k5n$y pac$ ! room4 ,sudd5ly1 paus+ by ! regi/]1 an idea seem$ to /rike him4 ,walt]1 he :isp]$1 come d[n cell> ) me4 ,oh--be c>eful1 cri$ ,ela9e1 anxi\s = him4 ,i w1 he call$ back4 ,z he fla%$ 8 pocket electric bull's-eye ab\t1 8 gaze fell on ! electric met]4 ,he paus$ be=e x4 ,9 spite ( ! fact t x 0 broad daylight1 x 0 runn+4 ,8 face puck]$4 ,!y are us+ no curr5t at pres5t 9 ! h\se1 he rum9at$4 ,yet ! met] is runn+4 ,he cont9u$ to exam9e ! met]4 ,!n he began to foll[ ! electric wires along4 ,at la/ he discov]$ a place :]e !y _h be5 tamp]$ ) & tapp$ by o!r wires4 ,! "w ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&6 he mutt]$4 ,eag]ly he foll[$ ! wires to ! furnace & ar\nd to ! back4 ,!re !y l$ "r into a little wat] tank4 ,k5n$y yank$ !m out4 ,z he did s he pull$ some?+ ) !m4 ,two electrodes--! villa9 plac$ !re1 he exclaim$1 hold+ !m up triumphantly = me to see4 ,y-yes1 ,i repli$ dubi\sly1 b :at does x all mean8 ,:y1 don't y see8 ,"u ! influ5ce ( ! electric curr5t ! wat] 0 decompos$ & gave (f oxyg5 & hydrog54 ,! free hydrog5 pass$ up ! furnace pipe & comb9+ ) ! ars5ic 9 ! wall pap] =m$ ! deadly ars5iurett$ hydrog54 ,he ca/ ! :ole improvis$ electrolysis app>atus on ! floor & da%$ up ! cell> /eps4 ,i've f\nd x6 he cri$1 hurry+ into ,ela9e's room4 ,x's 9 ?is room--a deadly gas--ars5iurett$ hydrog54 ,he tore op5 ! w9d[s & ?rew !m all op54 ,h h] mov$1 he cri$ to ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,!n h a vacuum clean] g ov] e in* ( wall1 c>pet & uphol/]y4 ,/&+ beside h]1 he brea?lessly expla9$ 8 discov]y4 ,t wall pap] has be5 load$ d[n ) ars5ic1 probably ,p>is gre5 or ,s*we9fur? gre51 :i* is aceto-ars5ite ( copp]4 ,e m9ute y are "h1 y are brea?+ ars5iurett$ hydrog54 ,! ,clut*+ ,h& has clev]ly contriv$ to introduce ! nasc5t gas into ! room4 ,t acts on ! ars5ic comp\nds 9 ! wall pap] & hang+s & sets free ! gas4 ,i ?\ght ,i knew ! smell ! mom5t ,i got a :iff ( x4 ,y are sl[ly be+ poison$ by m9ute quantities ( ! deadly gas4 ,?is ,clut*+ ,h& is a diabolical g5ius4 ,?9k ( x--poison$ wall pap]6 ,no "o said a ^w4 ,k5n$y rea*$ d[n & took ! two ,clut*+ ,h& messages ,ela9e _h receiv$4 ,i %all want to /udy ^! notes1 m1 too1 he said1 hold+ !m up to ! wall at ! head ( ! b$ z he fla%$ 8 pocket l5s at !m4 ,y see1 ,ela9e1 ,i may be able to get some?+ f /udy+ ! ink1 ! pap]1 ! h&writ+-- ,sudd5ly bo? leap$ back1 ) a cry4 ,_! faces _h be5 sev]al in*es ap>t4 ,some?+ _h :izz$ betwe5 !m & lit]ally impal$ ! two notes on ! wall4 ,d[n ! /reet1 on ! ro( ( a c>riage h\se1 back ( a neighbor's1 might h be5 se5 ! unc\? figure ( ! dilapidat$ ,s\? ,am]ican ,indian cr\*+ beh9d a *imney & gaz+ int5tly at ! ,dodge h\se4 ,z ,craig _h ?r[n op5 ,ela9e's w9d[ & turn$ to ,ela9e1 ! figure _h cr\*$ clos] to 8 *imney4 ,!n ) an uncanny det]m9ation he sl[ly rais$ ! bl[-gun to 8 lips4 ,i jump$ =w>d1 foll[$ by ,dr4 ,hayw>d1 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 & ,m>ie4 ,k5n$y _h a peculi> look z he pull$ out f ! wall a bl[-gun d>t simil> 9 e way to t :i* _h kill$ ,mi*ael4 ,craig6 gasp$ ,ela9e1 rea*+ up & lay+ h] s(t :ite h& on 8 arm 9 undisguis$ fe> = him1 y--y mu/ give up ?is *ase = ! ,clut*+ ,h&6 ,give up ! *ase = ! ,clut*+ ,h&8 he repeat$ 9 surprise4 ,nev]6 ,n until ei!r he or ,i is dead6 ,!re 0 bo? fe> & admiration m+l$ 9 h] look1 z he rea*$ d[n & patt$ h] da9ty %\ld] enc\rag+ly4 ,,*apt] ,,vi ,,! ,,vampire ,k5n$y w5t ! next day to ! ,dodge h\se1 &1 z usual1 ,p]ry ,b5nett 0 !re 9 ! libr>y ) ,ela9e1 /ill go+ ov] ! ,clut*+ ,h& case1 9 _! endeavor to track d[n ! my/]i\s ma/] crim9al4 ,b5nett seem$ z deeply z ev] 9 love ) ,ela9e4 ,/ill1 z ,j5n+s admitt$ ,craig1 x 0 suffici5tly evid5t by ! mann] 9 :i* ,ela9e left ,b5nett & ran to meet ,craig t %e _h ! highe/ reg>d = him4 ,i've br\ght y a little docum5t t may int]e/ y1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 rea*+ into 8 pocket & pull+ out an envelope4 ,ela9e tore x op5 & look$ at ! pap] )94 ,oh1 h[ ?\ghtful ( y6 %e exclaim$ 9 surprise4 ,x 0 a p]mit f ! police made out 9 h] "n all[+ h] to c>ry a revolv]4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,k5n$y rea*$ into 8 coat pocket & produc$ a little automatic :i* he h&$ to h]4 ,?ank y1 %e cri$ eag]ly4 ,ela9e exam9$ ! gun ) int]e/1 !n1 rais+ x1 po9t$ x playfully at ,b5nett4 ,oh--no--no6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 tak+ h] arm quickly1 & g5tly deflect+ ! weapon away4 ,y mu/n't ?9k x is a toy4 ,x explodes at a m]e t\* ( ! trigg]--:5 t safety rat*et is turn$4 ,b5nett _h realiz$ ! dang] & _h jump$ back1 almo/ me*anically4 ,z he did s1 he bump$ into a suit ( m$ieval armor /&+ by ! wall1 knock+ x ov] ) a res\nd+ cra%4 ,i beg p>don1 he ejaculat$1 ,i'm v sorry4 ,t 0 v awkw>d ( me4 ,j5n+s1 :o _h be5 busy ab\t ! porti]es at ! doorway1 />t$ to pick up ! fall5 knight4 ,"s ( ! pieces 7 brok51 & ! ?ree ga!r$ ab\t z ! butl] tri$ to fit !m toge!r aga9 z be/ he c\ld4 ,too bad1 too bad1 apologiz$ ,b5nett pr(usely4 ,i really =got h[ close ,i 0 to ! ?+4 ,oh1 nev] m9d1 return$ ,ela9e1 a little cre/fall51 ,x is sma%$ all "r--b x 0 my fault4 ,j5n+s1 s5d = someone to repair x4 ,%e turn$ to ,k5n$y4 ,b ,i d wi% y w\ld tea* me h[ to use ?is ?+1 %e add$1 t\*+ ! automatic g+]ly4 ,gladly1 he return$4 ,won't y jo9 u1 ,mr4 ,b5nett8 ask$ ,ela9e4 ,no1 ! "y lawy] smil$1 ,i'm afraid ,i c't4 ,y see1 ,i _h an engagem5t ) ano!r cli5t & ,i'm already late4 ,he took 8 hat & coat &1 ) a reluctant f>ewell1 mov$ t[>d ! hallway4 ,a mom5t lat] ,ela9e & ,craig foll[$1 :ile ,j5n+s f9i%$ re/or+ ! armor z ne>ly z possible z x _h be54 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 late t night t a mask$ figure succe$$ 9 rais+ itself to ! n>r[ ornam5tal l$ge "u ,ela9e's b$room w9d[4 ,ela9e 0 a light sleep] &1 besides1 ,ru/y1 h] fai?ful collie1 n[ fully recov]$ f ! poison1 0 9 h] room4 ,ru/y gr[l$ & ! sudd5 noise wak5$ h]4 ,/>tl$1 ,ela9e in/antly ?\ght ( ! automatic4 ,%e rea*$ "u h] pill[1 keep+ v quiet1 & drew =? ! gun t ,craig _h giv5 h]4 ,/eal?ily conceal+ h] actions "u ! cov]s1 %e levell$ ! automatic at ! figure silh\ett$ 9 h] w9d[ & fir$ ?ree times4 ,! figure fell back4 ,d[n 9 ! /reet1 bel[1 ! assi/ant ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& :o _h wait$ :ile ,taylor ,dodge 0 electrocut$1 0 wait+ n[ z 8 conf$]ate1 ,pitts ,slim--:i* indicat$ t he 0 bo? wiry 9 /ature & libell\s 9 delegat+ 8 nativity--made ! attempt4 ,z ,slim came tumbl+ d[n1 hav+ fall5 back f ! w9d[ above1 mortally w\nd$1 ! conf$]ate lift$ him up & c>ri$ him out ( sight hurri$ly4 ,ela9e1 by ?is "t1 _h turn$ on ! lights & _h run to ! w9d[ to look out4 ,ru/y 0 b>k+ l\dly4 ,9 a side /reet1 ne>by1 /ood a wait+ automobile1 at ! :eel ( :i* sat ano!r ( ! emiss>ies ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,! driv] look$ up1 />tl$1 z he saw 8 fell[ hurry ar\nd ! corn] c>ry+ ! w\nd$ ,pitts ,slim4 ,x 0 ! "w ( j a mom5t to drop ! w\nd$ man1 z com=tably z possible "u ! circum/ances1 9 ! re> seat1 :ile 8 pals />t$ ! c> (f ) a j]k 9 ! hurry ( escape4 ,j5n+s1 hav+ ha/ily slipp$ 8 tr\s]s on ov] 8 pajamas came runn+ d[n ! hall1 :ile ,m>ie1 fright5$1 came 9 ! o!r direction4 ,aunt ,joseph9e appe>$ a few seconds lat]1 add+ to ! g5]al excitem5t4 ,:at's ! matt]8 %e ask$1 anxi\sly4 ,a burgl>1 ,i ?9k1 exclaim$ ,ela9e1 /ill hold+ ! gun 9 h] h&4 ,someone tri$ to get into my w9d[4 ,my graci\s1 cri$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 9 al>m1 :]e w ?is ?+ end8 ,ela9e 0 do+ h] be/ n[ to quiet ! fe>s ( h] aunt & ! re/ ( ! h\sehold4 ,well1 %e laugh$1 a little n]v\sly1 n[ t x 0 all ov]1 ,i want y all to g to b$ & /op worry+ ab\t me4 ,don't y see1 ,i'm p]fectly able to take c>e ( myself8 ,besides1 !re isn't a *ance1 n[1 ( ! burgl> com+ back4 ,:y1 ,i %ot him4 ,yes1 put 9 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 b-- ,ela9e laugh+ly int]rupt$ h] & playfully made z ?\gh %e 7 driv+ !m out ( h] room1 al?\gh !y 7 all v mu* conc]n$ ov] ! affair4 ,h[ev]1 !y w5t f9ally1 & %e lock$ ! door4 ,ru/y6 %e call$1 ,d[n !re6 ,! intellig5t collie seem$ to und]/&4 ,he lay d[n by ! doorway1 8 nose close to ! bottom ( ! door & 8 e>s al]t4 ,f9ally ,ela9e1 too1 retir$ aga94 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile ! w\nd$ man 0 be+ hurri$ to "o ( ! hang\ts ( ! my/]i\s ,clut*+ ,h&1 an old-fa%ion$ h\se 9 ! ,we/*e/] suburbs4 ,x 0 a c>efully hidd5 place1 back f ! ma9 road1 surr\nd$ by trees1 ) a driveway lead+ up to x4 ,! c> conta9+ ! w\nd$ ,pitts ,slim drew up & ! o!r two m5 leap$ out ( x4 ,) a hurri$ glance ab\t1 !y unlock$ ! front door ) a pass-key & ent]$1 c>ry+ ! man4 ,indoors 0 ano!r emiss>y ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 a r /udi\s look+ *ap4 ,:y1 :at's ! matt]8 he exclaim$1 z ! crooks ent]$ 8 room1 support+ _! half-fa9t+1 w\nd$ pal4 ,slim got a c\ple ( pills1 !y pant$1 z !y laid him on a c\*4 ,h[8 dem&$ ! o!r4 ,try+ to get into ! ,dodge h\se4 ,ela9e did x4 ,slim 01 q evid5tly1 badly w\nd$ & 0 ble$+ pr(usely4 ,a glance at him 0 en\gh = ! /udi\s-look+ *ap4 ,he w5t to a secret panel &1 press+ x d[n1 took out :at 0 app>5tly a h\se telephone4 ,9 ano!r "p ( ?is my/]i\s h\se 0 ! secret room ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& himself :]e he hid 8 id5tity f ev5 8 mo/ tru/$ foll[]s4 ,x 0 a small room1 l9$ ) books on e conceivable bran* ( sci5ce t might aid him & conta9+ innum]able little odds & ends ( p>aph]nalia t might help 9 8 nef>i\s crim9al c>e]4 ,8 telephone rang & he took d[n ! receiv]4 ,pitts ,slim's be5 w\nd$--badly--,*ief1 0 all he wait$ to he>4 ,) sc>cely a ^w1 he hung up ! receiv]1 !n op5$ a table draw] & took out 8 mask+ h&k]*ief4 ,next he w5t to a ne>by bookcase1 press$ ano!r secret spr+1 & a panel op5$4 ,he pass$ ?r\gh1 ! h&k]*ief adju/$4 ,across1 9 ! l>g]1 outside /udy1 ano!r panel op5$ & ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 all cr\*$ up1 trans=m$1 appe>$4 ,)\t a ^w he advanc$ to ! c\* on :i* ! w\nd$ crook lay & exam9$ him4 ,h[ did x happ58 he ask$ at l5g?4 ,miss ,dodge %ot him1 answ]$ ! o!rs1 ) an automatic4 ,t ,craig ,k5n$y mu/ h giv5 x to h]6 he exclaim$ ) suppress$ fury4 ,= a mom5t ! ,clut*+ ,h& /opp$ to consid]4 ,!n he seiz$ ! regul> telephone4 ,dr4 ,morton8 he ask$ z he got ! numb] he call$4 ,late z x 0 ! doctor1 :o 0 a well-kn[n surgeon 9 t "p ( ! c\ntry1 answ]$1 app>5tly f an ext5sion ( 8 telephone ne> 8 b$4 ,! call 0 urg5t & app>5tly f a family :i* he did n feel t he c\ld neglect4 ,yes1 ,i'll be !re--9 a few mom5ts1 he yawn$1 hang+ up ! receiv] & gett+ out ( b$4 ,dr4 ,morton 0 a middle-ag$ man1 "o ( ^? m$ical m5 9 ^: judgm5t "o in/9ctively relies4 ,f ! brief description ( ! hemorrhage :i* ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h clev]ly made ov] ! wire1 he knew t a life 0 at /ake4 ,quickly he dress$ & w5t out to 8 g>age1 back ( ! h\se to get 8 little runab\t4 ,x 0 only a matt] ( m9utes be=e ! doctor 0 spe$+ ov] ! n[ des]t$ suburban roads1 app>5tly on 8 err& ( m]cy4 ,at ! address t _h be5 giv5 him1 he drew up to ! side ( ! road1 got out & ran up ! /eps to ! door4 ,a r+ at ! bell br\ght a sleepy man to ! door1 9 8 tr\s]s & night%irt4 ,h['s ! pati5t8 ask$ ,dr4 ,morton1 eag]ly4 ,pati5t8 repeat$ ! man1 rubb+ 8 eyes4 ,!re's no "o sick "h4 ,!n :at did y telephone =8 ask$ ! doctor peevi%ly1 ,telephone8 ,i didn't call up anyone1 ,i 0 asleep4 ,sl[ly x dawn$ on ! doctor t x 0 a false al>m & t he mu/ be ! victim ( "s practical joke4 ,well1 t's a great note1 he gr[l$1 z ! man %ut ! door4 ,he desc5d$ ! /eps1 mutt]+ h>% language at "s unkn[n trick/]4 ,z he climb$ back into 8 ma*9e & made ready to />t1 two m5 seem$ to rise be=e him1 z if f n[h]e4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 !y _h be5 s5t !re by ! ,clut*+ ,h& & 7 hid+ 9 a ne>by cell> way until _! *ance came4 ,"o man /ood on ! runn+ bo>d1 on ei!r side ( him1 & two guns yawn$ m5ac+ly at him4 ,drive ahead--t way6 mutt]$ "o man1 seat+ himself 9 ! runab\t ) 8 gun close to ! doctor's ribs4 ,! o!r kept 8 place on ! runn+ bo>d1 & on !y drove 9 ! direction ( ! my/]i\s1 d>k h\se4 ,half a mile1 p]haps1 d[n ! road1 !y halt$ & left ! c> beside ! walk4 ,dr4 ,morton 0 too surpris$ to m>vel at any?+ n[ & he realiz$ t he 0 9 ! p[] ( two desp]ate m54 ,quickly1 !y bl9dfold$ him4 ,x seem$ an int]m9able walk1 z !y l$ him ab\t to confuse him1 b at la/ he c\ld feel t !y _h tak5 him into a h\se & along passageways1 :i* !y 7 mak+ unnecess>ily long 9 ord] to de/roy all recollection t !y c\ld4 ,f9ally he knew t he 0 9 a room 9 :i* o!rs 7 pres5t4 ,he suppress$ a %udd] at ! l[1 m5ac+ voices4 ,a mom5t lat] he felt !m remove ! b&age f 8 eyes1 &1 bl9k+ at ! light1 he c\ld see a h>d-fac$ fell[1 pale & weak1 on a blood-/a9$ c\*4 ,ov] him b5t a mask$ man & ano!r man /ood ne>by1 endeavor+ by improvis$ b&ages to /op ! fl[ ( blood4 ,:at c y d = ?is fell[8 ask$ ! mask$ man4 ,dr4 ,morton1 see+ no?+ else to d1 = he 0 m ?an outnumb]$ n[1 b5t d[n & exam9$ him4 ,z he rose1 he said1 ,he w be dead f loss ( blood by morn+1 no matt] if he is prop]ly b&ag$4 ,is !re no?+ t c save him8 :isp]$ ! ,clut*+ ,h& ho>sely4 ,blood transfusion might save him1 repli$ ! ,doctor4 ,b s mu* blood w\ld be ne$$ t :oev] gives x w\ld be liable to die himself4 ,clut*+ ,h& /ood sil5t a mom5t1 ?9k+1 z he gaz$ at ! man :o _h be5 "o ( 8 *ief reliances4 ,!n1 ) a m5ac+ ge/ure1 he spoke 9 a l[1 bitt] tone4 ,,%e ,,:o ,,%ot ,,him ,,%all ,,supply ,,! ,,blood4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,a few quick directions foll[$ to 8 subord9ates1 & z he made ready to g1 he mutt]$1 ,keep ! doctor "h4 ,don't let him /ir f ! room4 ,!n1 ) ! man :o _h aid$ him 9 ! murd] ( ,taylor ,dodge1 he salli$ out into ! blackness t prec$es dawn4 ,x 0 j be=e e>ly daybreak :5 ! ,clut*+ ,h& & 8 conf$]ate rea*$ ! ,dodge ,h\se 9 ! city & came up to ! back door1 ov] ! f5ces4 ,z !y /ood !re1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& produc$ a ma/] key & />t$ to op5 ! door4 ,b be=e he did s1 he took out 8 wat*4 ,let me see1 he rum9at$4 ,tw5ty m9utes pa/ f\r4 ,at exactly half pa/1 ,i want y to d z ,i told y--see8 ,! o!r crook nodd$4 ,y may g1 ord]$ ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,z ! crook slunk away1 ,clut*+ ,h& /eal?ily let himself into ! h\se4 ,noiselessly he pr[l$ ?r\gh ! halls until he came to ,ela9e's doorway4 ,he gave a ha/y look up & d[n ! hall4 ,!re 0 no s\nd4 ,quickly he took a syr+e f 8 pocket & b5t d[n by ! door4 ,ins]t+ ! end "u x1 he squirt$ "s liquid ?r\gh :i* vaporiz$ rapidly 9 a wide1 f9e /ream ( spray4 ,be=e he c\ld give an al>m1 ,ru/y 0 ov]come by ! noxi\s fumes1 roll$ ov] on 8 back & lay /ill4 ,outside1 ! o!r crook 0 wait+1 look+ at 8 wat*4 ,z ! h& sl[ly turn$ ! half h\r1 he snapp$ ! wat* %ut4 ,) a quick glance up & d[n ! des]t$ /reet1 he deftly />t$ up ! ra9 pipe t pass$ ne> ,ela9e's w9d[4 ,?is "t !re 0 no fai?ful ,ru/y to give w>n+ & ! second intrud]1 aft] a glance at ,ela9e1 /ill sleep+1 w5t quickly to ! door1 dragg$ ! ins5sible dog out ( ! way1 turn$ ! key & admitt$ ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,z he did s he clos$ ! door4 ,evid5tly ! fumes _h n rea*$ ,ela9e1 or if !y _h1 ! inru% ( fre% air reviv$ h]1 = %e wak$ & quickly rea*$ = ! gun4 ,9 an in/ant ! o!r crook _h leap$ at h]4 ,hold+ 8 h& ov] h] m\? to prev5t h] scream+ he snat*$ ! revolv] away be=e %e c\ld fire x4 ,9 ! meantime ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h tak5 out "s *lor(orm &1 roll+ a t[el 9 ! =m ( a cone1 plac$ x ov] h] face4 ,%e /ruggl$1 gasp+ & gagg+1 b ! /ruggles grew weak] & weak] & f9ally ceas$ altoge!r4 ,:5 ,ela9e 0 completely "u ! influ5ce ( ! drug1 !y lift$ h] out ( b$1 ! *lor(orm cone /ill ov] h] face1 & quietly c>ri$ h] to ! door :i* !y op5$ /eal?ily4 ,d[n/airs !y c>ri$ h] until !y came to ! libr>y ) its new safe & !re !y plac$ h] on a c\*4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at an e>ly h\r an express wagon /opp$ be=e ! ,dodge h\se & ,j5n+s1 half dress$1 answ]$ ! bell4 ,we've come = t brok5 suit ( armor to be repair$1 said a workman4 ,j5n+s let ! m5 94 ,! armor 0 /ill on ! /& & ! repair]s took armor1 /&1 & all1 lay+ x on ! c\* :]e !y wrapp$ x 9 ! cov]s !y _h br\ght = ! purpose4 ,!y lift$ x up & />t$ to c>ry x out4 ,be c>eful1 caution$ ! ?rifty ,j5n+s4 ,ru/y1 n[ recov]$1 0 b>k+ & sniff+ at ! armor4 ,kick ! mutt (f1 gr[l$ "o man4 ,! o!r did s & ,ru/y sn>l$ & snapp$ at him4 ,j5n+s took him by ! coll> & held him z ! repair]s w5t out1 load$ ! armor on ! wagon1 & drove (f4 ,sc>cely _h !y gone1 :ile ,j5n+s /raight5$ out ! dis>rang$ libr>y1 :5 ,ru/y began jump+ ab\t1 b>k+ furi\sly4 ,j5n+s look$ at him 9 amazem5t1 z ! dog ran to ! w9d[ & leap$ out4 ,he _h no "t to look aft] ! dog1 ?\gh1 = at t v in/ant he he>d a voice call+1 ,j5n+s6 ,j5n+s6 ,x 0 ,m>ie1 almo/ spee*less4 ,he foll[$ h] z %e l$ ! way to ,miss ,ela9e's room4 ,!re ,m>ie po9t$ mutely at ! b$4 ,ela9e 0 n !re4 ,!re1 too1 7 h] clo!s1 neatly fold$1 z ,m>ie _h hung !m = h]4 ,some?+ mu/ h happ5$ to h]6 wail$ ,m>ie4 ,j5n+s 0 n[ ?or\ghly al>m$4 ,mean:ile ! express wagon outside 0 driv+ (f1 ) ,ru/y te>+ aft] x4 ,:at's ! matt]8 cri$ ,aunt ,joseph9e com+ 9 :]e ! footman & ! maid 7 argu+ :at 0 to be done4 ,%e gave "o look at ! b$1 ! clo!s1 & ! s]vants4 ,call ,mr4 ,k5n$y6 %e cri$ 9 al>m4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e is gone--no "o kn[s h[ or :]e1 ann\nc$ ,craig z he leap$ out ( b$ t morn+ to answ] ! furi\s r++ ( our telephone bell4 ,x 0 v e>ly1 b ,craig dress$ hurri$ly & ,i foll[$ z be/ ,i c\ld1 = he _h ! />t ( me1 tieless & coll>less4 ,:5 we arriv$ at ! ,dodge h\se1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,m>ie 7 fully dress$4 ,j5n+s let u 94 ,:at has happ5$8 dem&$ ,k5n$y brea?lessly4 ,:ile ,aunt ,joseph9e tri$ to tell him1 ,craig 0 busy exam9+ ! room4 ,let u see ! libr>y1 he said at l5g?4 ,accord+ly d[n to ! libr>y we w5t4 ,k5n$y look$ ab\t4 ,he seem$ to miss some?+4 ,:]e is ! armor8 he dem&$4 ,:y1 ! m5 came = x & took x away to repair1 answ]$ ,j5n+s4 ,k5n$y's br[ cl\d$ 9 deep ?\ght4 ,outside we _h left our taxi1 wait+4 ,! door 0 op5 & a new footman1 ,james1 0 sweep+ ! rug1 :5 pa/ him fla%$ a di%evell$ hairy /reak4 ,we 7 all /&+ !re /ill z ,craig que/ion$ ,j5n+s ab\t ! armor4 ,) a yelp ,ru/y tore frantically into ! room4 ,a mom5t he /opp$ & b>k$4 ,we all look$ at him 9 surprise4 ,!n1 z no "o mov$1 he seem$ to s+le out ,k5n$y4 ,he seiz$ ,craig's coat 9 8 tee? & tri$ to drag him out4 ,"h1 ,ru/y--d[n1 sir1 d[n6 call$ ,j5n+s4 ,no1 ,j5n+s1 no1 int]pos$ ,craig4 ,:at's ! matt]1 old fell[8 ,craig patt$ ,ru/y ^: big br[n eyes seem$ mutely appeal+4 ,out ( ! doorway he w5t1 b>k+ /ill4 ,craig & ,i foll[$ :ile ! re/ /ood 9 ! ve/ibule4 ,ru/y 0 try+ to lead ,k5n$y d[n ! /reet6 ,wait "h1 call$ ,k5n$y to ,aunt ,joseph9e1 z he /epp$ ) me on ! runn+ bo>d ( ! cab4 ,g on1 ,ru/y1 good dog6 ,ru/y ne$$ no urg+4 ,) an eag] yelp he />t$ (f1 /ill b>k+1 ahead ( u1 our c> foll[+4 ,on we w5t1 mu* to ! a/oni%m5t ( ^? :o 7 on ! /reet at su* an e>ly h\r4 ,x seem$ miles t we w5t1 b at la/ we came to a peculi>ly des]t$ look+ h\se4 ,"h ,ru/y turn$ 9 & began scrat*+ at ! door4 ,we jump$ (f ! cab & foll[$4 ,! door 0 lock$ :5 we tri$ & f inside we c\ld get no answ]4 ,we put our %\ld]s to x & bur/ x 94 ,ru/y gave a leap =w>d ) a joy\s b>k4 ,we foll[$1 m cauti\sly4 ,!re 7 pieces ( armor /rewn all ov] ! floor4 ,ru/y sniff$ at !m & look$ ab\t1 disappo9t$1 !n h[l$4 ,i look$ f ! armor to ,k5n$y1 9 blank amazem5t4 ,ela9e 0 kidnapp$--9 ! armor1 he cri$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,he 0 "r4 ,mean:ile1 ! armor repair]s _h /opp$ at la/ at ?is app>5tly des]t$ h\se1 a /range sort ( repair %op4 ,/ill keep+ x wrapp$ 9 blankets1 !y _h tak5 ! armor out ( ! wagon & n[ laid x d[n on an old brok5 b$4 ,!n !y _h unwrapp$ x & tak5 (f ! helmet4 ,!re 0 ,ela9e6 ,%e _h be5 /upefi$1 b\nd & gagg$4 ,piece aft] piece ( ! armor !y remov$1 f9d+ h] /ill only half consci\s4 ,%6 ,:at's t8 caution$ "o ( ! m54 ,!y paus$ & li/5$4 ,sure en\gh1 !re 0 a s\nd outside4 ,!y op5$ ! w9d[ cauti\sly4 ,a dog 0 scrat*+ on ! door1 endeavor+ to get 94 ,x 0 ,ru/y4 ,i ?9k x's h] dog1 said ! man1 turn+4 ,we'd bett] let him 94 ,someone might see him4 ,! o!r nodd$ & a mom5t lat] ! door op5$ & 9 ran ,ru/y4 ,/raight to ,ela9e he w5t1 />t+ to lick h] h&4 ,"r--h] dog1 exclaim$ ! o!r man1 draw+ a gun & ha/ily levell+ x at ,ru/y4 ,don't6 caution$ ! fir/4 ,x w\ld make too mu* noise4 ,y'd bett] *oke him6 ,! fell[ grabb$ = ,ru/y4 ,ru/y 0 too quick4 ,he jump$4 ,ar\nd ! room !y ran4 ,ru/y saw ! wide op5 w9d[--& 8 *ance4 ,out he w5t & disappe>$1 leav+ ! man cuss+ at him4 ,a mom5t's argum5t foll[$1 !n !y wrapp$ ,ela9e 9 ! blankets alone1 /ill b\nd & gagg$1 & c>ri$ h] out4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! secret d51 ! ,clut*+ ,h& 0 wait+1 gaz+ n[ & !n at 8 wat*1 & !n at ! w\nd$ man be=e him4 ,9 a *air 8 fir/ assi/ant sat1 wat*+ ,dr4 ,morton4 ,a knock at ! door caus$ !m to turn _! heads4 ,! crook op5$ x & 9 walk$ ! o!r crooks :o _h c>ri$ (f ,ela9e 9 ! suit ( armor4 ,ela9e 0 n[ almo/ consci\s1 z !y sat h] d[n 9 a *air & p>tly loos$ h] bonds & ! gag4 ,%e gaz$ ab\t1 fright5$4 ,oh--help6 help6 %e scream$ z %e caught sight ( ! n[ famili> mask ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,call all y want--"h1 "y lady1 he laugh$ unnaturally4 ,no "o c he>4 ,^! walls are s\ndpro(6 ,ela9e %rank back4 ,n[1 doc41 he add$ h>%ly to ,dr4 ,morton4 ,x 0 %e :o %ot him4 ,h] blood mu/ save him4 ,dr4 ,morton recoil$ at ! ?\ght ( tortur+ ! beautiful "y girl be=e him4 ,are--y will+--to h y\r blood transfus$8 he p>ley$4 ,no--no--no6 %e cri$ 9 horror1 ,dr4 ,morton turn$ to ! desp]ate crim9al4 ,i _c d x4 ,! deuce y c't6 ,a cold /eel revolv] press$ d[n on ,dr4 ,morton's /oma*4 ,9 ! o!r h& ! ma/] crook held 8 wat*4 ,y h j "o m9ute to make up y\r m9d4 ,dr4 ,morton %rank back4 ,! revolv] foll[$4 ,! pressure ( a fly's foot meant et]nity = him4 ,i--,i'll try6 ,! o!r crooks next c>ri$ ,ela9e1 /ruggl+1 & ?rew h] d[n beside ! w\nd$ man4 ,toge!r !y arrang$ ano!r c\* beside him4 ,dr4 ,morton1 /ill cov]$ by ! gun1 b5t ov] ! two1 ! h>d5$ crim9al & ! delicate1 beautiful girl4 ,clut*+ ,h& gl>$ fi5di%ly1 insanely4 ,f 8 bag he took a little piece ( some?+ t %one l silv]4 ,x 0 9 ! =m ( a m9ute1 holl[ cyl9d]1 ) two grooves on x1 a cyl9d] s t9y t x w\ld sc>cely h slipp$ ov] ! po9t ( a p5cil4 ,a cannulla1 he expla9$1 z he prep>$ to make an incision 9 ,ela9e's arm & 9 ! arm ( ! w\nd$ rogue4 ,he cuff$ x ov] ! sev]$ end ( ! art]y1 s clev]ly t ! inn] l9+s ( ! ve9 & art]y1 ! endo!lium z x is call$1 7 9 complete contact ) ea* o!r4 ,clut*+ ,h& wat*$ eag]ly1 z ?\gh he _h f\nd "s new1 sci5tific eng9e ( dea? 9 ! little holl[ cyl9d]4 ,a mom5t & ! blood t 01 p]haps1 to save ! life ( ! w\nd$ felon 0 c\rs+ into 8 ve9s f ,ela9e4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,dr4 ,morton look$ up at ! ,clut*+ ,h& & nodd$1 ,well1 x's work+6 ,at ,ela9e's head1 ,clut*+ ,h& himself 0 adm9i/]+ j en\gh e!r to keep h] "u & prev5t a /ruggle t w\ld wreck all4 ,! w\nd$ man _h n be5 ane/hetiz$ & seem$ feebly consci\s ( :at 0 be+ done to save him4 ,all 7 n[ b5d+ ov] ! two4 ,dr4 ,morton b5t close/ ov] ,ela9e4 ,he look$ at h] anxi\sly1 felt h] pulse1 wat*$ h] brea?+1 !n purs$ up 8 lips4 ,?is is--dang]\s1 he v5tur$1 gaz+ askance at ! grim ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,c't help x1 came back laconically & rel5tlessly4 ,! doctor %udd]$4 ,! man 0 a v]itable vampire6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,outside ! des]t$ h\se1 ,k5n$y & ,i 7 look+ helplessly ab\t4 ,sudd5ly ,k5n$y da%$ back & reappe>$ a m9ute lat] ) a c\ple ( pieces ( armor4 ,he held !m d[n to ,ru/y & ! dog sniff$ at !m4 ,b ,ru/y /ood /ill4 ,k5n$y po9t$ to ! gr\nd4 ,no?+ do+4 ,9 lead+ u :]e he _h be5 be=e1 ,ru/y _h rea*$ ! end ( 8 can9e ability4 ,ev]y?+ we c\ld d to make ,ru/y und]/& t we want$ him to foll[ a trail 0 unavail+4 ,he simply c\ld n d x4 ,k5n$y coax$ & scold$4 ,ru/y m]ely sat up on 8 h9d legs & begg$ ) ^? irresi/ible br[n eyes4 ,y c't make a bloodh\nd out ( a collie1 despair$ ,craig1 look+ ab\t aga9 helplessly4 ,!n he rea*$ into 8 pocket & pull$ out a police :i/le4 ,he blew ?ree %>p bla/s4 ,w\ld x br+ help8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:ile we 7 ?us despair+1 ! cont9u$ abs5ce ( ,dr4 ,morton f home _h al>m$ 8 family & _h set 9 motion ano!r tra9 ( ev5ts4 ,:5 he did n return1 & c\ld n be locat$ at ! place to :i* he 0 suppos$ to h gone1 sev]al policem5 _h be5 summon$ to 8 h\se1 & !y _h come1 f9ally1 ) real bloodh\nds f a suburban /ation4 ,!re 7 ! tracks ( 8 c>4 ,t ! police !mselves c\ld foll[1 :ile two m5 came along hold+ 9 lea% ! pack1 lead]s ( :i* 7 ,se>*light & ,bob4 ,x _h n be5 long be=e ! p>ty came across ! des]t$ runab\t beside ! road4 ,!re !y _h /opp$1 = a mom5t4 ,x 0 j !n t !y he>d ,k5n$y's call1 & "o ( !m _h be5 detail$ to answ] x4 ,well1 :at d ,,y want8 ask$ ! (fic]1 eye+ ,k5n$y suspici\sly z he /ood !re ) ! armor4 ,:at's !m pieces ( t9--hey8 ,k5n$y quickly fla%$ 8 own special badge4 ,i want to trail a girl1 he exclaim$ hurri$ly4 ,c ,i f9d a bloodh\nd ab\t "h8 ,a h\nd8 ,:y1 we h a pack--ov] !re4 ,br+ !m--quick6 ord]$ ,craig4 ,! policeman1 :o 0 an intellig5t fell[1 saw at once t1 z ,k5n$y said1 ! two trails probably cross$4 ,he %\t$ & 9 a few seconds ! o!rs1 ) ! pack1 came4 ,a brief p>ley result$ 9 our jo9+ =ces4 ,k5n$y held ! armor d[n to ! dogs4 ,se>*light gave a l[ :9e1 !n1 foll[$ by ,bob & ! o!rs1 0 (f1 all ) noses close to ! gr\nd4 ,we foll[$4 ,! armor 01 aft] all1 ! miss+ l9k4 ,?r\gh woods & fields ! dogs l$ u4 ,w\ld we be 9 "t to rescue ,ela9e8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! my/]i\s haunt ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 all 7 /ill /&+ ar\nd ,ela9e & ! w\nd$ ,pitts ,slim4 ,j !n a cry f "o ( ! gr\p />tl$ ! re/4 ,"o ( !m1 less h>d5$ ?an ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 _h turn$ away f ! sight1 _h gone to ! w9d[1 & _h be5 attract$ by some?+ outside4 ,look6 he cri$4 ,f ! absolute /illness ( dea?1 !re 0 n[ wild excitem5t among ! crooks4 ,police6 ,police6 !y %\t$ to ea* o!r z !y fl$ by a doorway to a secret passage4 ,clut*+ ,h& turn$ to 8 fir/ assi/ant4 ,y--g--too1 he ord]$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! dogs _h l$ u to a /range look+ h\se1 & 7 n[ bay+ & leap+ up aga9/ ! door4 ,we did n /op to knock1 b began to break ?r\gh1 = inside we c\ld he> fa9tly s\nds ( excitem5t & cries ( ,police--police6 ,! door yield$ & we ru%$ into a long hallway4 ,up ! passage we w5t until we came to ano!r door4 ,an in/ant & we 7 all aga9/ x4 ,x 0 /\t1 b x %ook be=e u4 ,! panels began to yield4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,on ! o!r side ( t door f u1 ! ma/] crook /ood = a mom5t4 ,dr4 ,morton hesitat$1 n kn[+ q :at to d4 ,j !n ! w\nd$ ,pitts ,slim lift$ 8 h& feebly4 ,he seem$ vaguely to und]/& t ! game 0 up4 ,he t\*$ ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,y did y\r be/1 ,*ief1 he murmur$ ?ickly4 ,beat x1 if y c4 ,i'm a gon]1 anyway4 ,clut*+ ,h& hesitat$ by ! w\nd$ crook4 ,?is 0 ! loyalty ( gangl&1 wor?y a bett] cause4 ,he c\ld n br+ himself to des]t 8 pal4 ,he 0 undecid$1 /ill4 ,b !re 0 ! door1 bulg+1 & a panel bur/+4 ,he mov$ ov] to a panel 9 ! wall & pu%$ a spr+4 ,x slid op5 & he /epp$ ?r\gh4 ,!n x clos$--n a second too soon4 ,back 9 8 private room1 he quickly /epp$ to a curta9$ iron door4 ,pu%+ back ! curta9s1 he w5t ?r\gh x & disappe>$1 ! curta9s fall+ back4 ,at ! end ( ! passageway1 he /opp$1 9 a sort ( grotto or cave4 ,z he came out1 he look$ back4 ,all 0 /ill4 ,no "o 0 ab\t4 ,he 0 safe "h1 at lea/6 ,(f came ! mask & he turn$ d[n ! road a few rods di/ant beyond "s bu%es1 z little conc]n$ ab\t ! wild happ5+s z any o!r pass]-by might h be54 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at ! v mom5t :5 we bur/ 91 ,dr4 ,morton1 see+ 8 *ance1 /opp$ ! blood transfusion1 work+ frantically to /op ! fl[ ( blood4 ,k5n$y sprang to ,ela9e's side1 horrifi$ by ! blood t _h spatt]$ ov] ev]y?+4 ,) a mighty ef=t he *eck$ a bl[ t he _h aim$ at ,dr4 ,morton1 z x fla%$ ov] him t ! surgeon1 n[ free aga91 0 do+ 8 be/ to save ! t]ribly imp]ill$ life ( ,ela9e4 ,j !n ! police bur/ ?r\gh ! secret panel & ru%$ on1 leav+ u alone1 ) ! unconsci\s1 sc>cely brea?+ ,ela9e4 ,f ! s\nds we c\ld tell t !y _h come to ! private room ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,x 0 empty & !y 7 non-pluss$4 ,n a w9d[6 call$ "o4 ,:at are ^? curta9s8 ,!y pull$ !m back1 disclos+ an iron door4 ,!y tri$ x b x 0 bolt$ on ! o!r side4 ,bl[s _h no effect4 ,!y _h to give x up = ! in/ant4 ,a policeman n[ /ood beside ,ela9e & ! w\nd$ burgl> :o 0 mutt]+ deliri\sly to himself4 ,he 0 pretty f> gone1 z ! policeman knelt d[n & tri$ to get a /atem5t out ( him4 ,:o 0 t man :o left y--la/--! ,clut*+ ,h&8 ,n a ^w came f ! crook4 ,! policeman repeat$ 8 "q4 ,) 8 la/ /r5g?1 he look$ disda9fully at ! (fic]'s pad & p5cil4 ,! gang/] nev] squeals1 he sn>l$1 z he fell back4 ,dr4 ,morton _h paid no att5tion :atev] to him1 b 0 work+ desp]ately n[ ov] ,ela9e1 try+ to br+ h] back to life4 ,is %e--go+ to--die8 gasp$ ,craig1 frantically4 ,e eye 0 rivet$ on ,dr4 ,morton4 ,%e is all "r1 he mutt]$4 ,b ! man is go+ to die4 ,at ! s\nd ( ,craig's voice ,ela9e _h feebly op5$ h] eyes4 ,?ank heav51 brea!d ,craig1 ) a sigh ( relief1 z 8 h& g5tly /rok$ ,ela9e's unnaturally cold =ehead4 ,,*apt] ,,vii ,,! ,,d\ble ,,trap ,m9dful ( ! sage advice t a "t ( peace is be/ employ$ 9 prep>+ = w>1 ,i 0 busily engag$ 9 clean+ my automatic gun "o morn+ z ,k5n$y & ,i 7 seat$ 9 our liv+ room4 ,our door buzz] s\nd$ & ,k5n$y1 always al]t1 jump$ up1 pu%+ aside a great pile ( pap]s :i* _h accumulat$ 9 ! ,dodge case4 ,two /eps took him to ! wall :]e ! day be=e he _h in/all$ a peculi> box ab\t f\r by six in*es long connect$ 9 "s way ) a l5s-l box ( simil> size above our bell & speak+ tube 9 ! hallway bel[4 ,he op5$ x1 disclos+ an oblong plate ( gr\nd glass4 ,i ?\ght ! seismograph arrangem5t 0 n q en\gh aft] t spr+-gun affair1 he rem>k$1 s ,i h put 9 a sort ( teleview ( my own inv5tion--s t ,i c see d[n into ! ve/ibule d[n/airs4 ,well--j look :o's "h6 ,"s new f&angl$ p]iscope arrangem5t1 ,i suppose8 ,i qu]i$ mov+ sl[ly ov] t[>d x4 ,h[ev]1 "o look 0 en\gh to int]e/ me4 ,i c express x only 9 slang4 ,!re1 fram$ 9 ! little ?+1 0 a vision ( z swell a *ick5 z ,i h ev] se54 ,i :i/l$ "u my brea?4 ,um6 ,i exclaim$ %amelessly1 ,a pea*6 ,:o's y\r fri5d8 ,i _h nev] said a tru] ^w ?an 9 my description ( h]1 ?\gh ,i did n "k x at ! "t4 ,%e 0 inde$ kn[n z ,g]tie ! ,pea* 9 ! select circle to :i* %e belong$4 ,g]tie 0 v attractive1 ?\gh frightfully ov]-dress$4 ,b1 !n1 no "o ?9ks any?+ ( t n[1 9 ,new ,york4 ,k5n$y _h op5$ ! l[] door & our fair visitor 0 com+ up/airs4 ,mean:ile he 0 deeply 9 ?\ght be=e ! teleview4 ,he made up 8 m9d quickly1 h[ev]4 ,g 9 !re1 ,walt]1 he said1 seiz+ me quickly & pu%+ me into my room4 ,i want y to wait !re & wat* h] c>efully4 ,i slipp$ ! gun into my pocket & w5t1 j z a knock at ! door told me %e 0 outside4 ,k5n$y op5$ ! door1 disclos+ a v excit$ "y woman4 ,oh1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 %e cri$1 all 9 "o brea?1 ) mu* emotion1 ,i'm s glad ,i f\nd y 94 ,i c't tell y4 ,oh--my jewels6 ,!y h be5 /ol5--& my husb& mu/ n "k ( x4 ,help me to recov] !m--please6 ,%e _h n paus$1 b _h gone on 9 a wild1 voluble explanation4 ,j a mom5t1 my de> "y lady1 int]rupt$ ,craig1 f9d+ at la/ a *ance to get a ^w 9 edgewise4 ,d y see t table--& all ^? pap]s8 ,really1 ,i c't take y\r case4 ,i am too busy z x is ev5 to take ! cases ( _m ( my own cli5ts4 ,b1 please1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y--please6 %e begg$4 ,help me4 ,x means--oh1 ,i c't tell y h[ mu* x means to me6 ,%e _h come close to him & _h laid h] w>m1 little s(t h& on 81 9 ard5t entreaty4 ,f my hid+ place 9 my room1 ,i c\ld n help see+ t %e 0 us+ e *>m ( h] sex & p]sonality to lure him on1 z %e clung confid+ly to him4 ,craig 0 v mu* emb>rass$1 & ,i c\ld n help a smile at 8 discomfiture4 ,s]i\sly1 ,i %\ld h hat$ to h be5 9 8 position4 ,g]tie _h ?r[n h] arms ab\t ,k5n$y1 z if 9 wilde/ devotion4 ,i wond]$ :at ,ela9e w\ld h ?\ght1 if %e _h a picture ( t6 ,oh1 %e begg$ him1 please--please1 help me6 ,/ill ,k5n$y seem$ utt]ly unaffect$ by h] passionate embrace4 ,c>efully he loos5$ h] f+]s f ab\t 8 neck & remov$ ! plump1 entic+ arms4 ,g]tie sank into a *air1 weep+1 :ile ,k5n$y /ood be=e h] a mom5t 9 deep ab/raction4 ,f9ally he seem$ to make up 8 m9d to some?+4 ,8 mann] t[>d h] *ang$4 ,he took a /ep to h] side4 ,i ,,w help y1 he said1 lay+ 8 h& on h] %\ld]4 ,if x is possible ,i w recov] y\r jewels4 ,:]e d y live8 ,at ,hazlehur/1 %e repli$1 gratefully4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 h[ c ,i ev] ?ank y8 ,%e seem$ ov]come ) gratitude & took 8 h&1 press$ x1 ev5 kiss$ x4 ,j a m9ute1 he add$1 c>efully extricat+ 8 h&4 ,i'll be ready 9 j a m9ute4 ,k5n$y ent]$ ! room :]e ,i 0 li/5+4 ,:at's x all ab\t1 ,craig8 ,i :isp]$1 my/ifi$4 ,= a mom5t he /ood ?9k+1 app>5tly reconsid]+ :at he _h j done4 ,!n 8 second ?\ght seem$ to approve x4 ,?is is a trap ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 ,walt]1 he :isp]$1 add+ t5sely1 & we're go+ to walk "r into x4 ,i look$ at him 9 amazem5t4 ,b1 ,craig1 ,i demurr$1 t's foolh>dy4 ,h h] trail$--any?+--b--- ,he %ook 8 head & ) a m]e motion ( 8 h& bru%$ aside my objections z he w5t to a cab9et across ! room4 ,f "o %elf he took out a small metal box & f ano!r a te/ tube1 plac+ ! te/ tube 9 8 wai/coat pocket1 & ! small box 9 8 coatpocket1 ) excessive c>e4 ,!n he turn$ & motion$ to me to foll[ him out into ! o!r room4 ,i did s1 /uff+ my gatt into my pocket4 ,let me introduce my fri5d1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 said ,craig1 pres5t+ me to ! pretty crook4 ,! introduction quickly ov]1 we ?ree w5t out to get ,craig's c> :i* he kept at a ne>by g>age4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,t =5oon1 ,p]ry ,b5nett 0 read+ up a case4 ,9 ! out] (fice ,milton ,s*(ield1 8 (fice boy1 0 indu/ri\sly *ew+ gum & admir+ 8 feet cock$ up on ! desk be=e him4 ,! door to ! wait+ room op5$ & an attractive woman ( p]haps ?irty1 dress$ 9 extreme m\rn+1 ent]$ ) a boy4 ,milton ca/ a glance ( scorn at ! little dude4 ,he 0 9 reality ab\t f\rte5 ye>s old b 0 dress$ to look mu* y\ng]4 ,milton took 8 feet d[n 9 def]5ce to ! lady1 b snick]$ op5ly at ! boy4 ,a fight seem$ imm95t4 ,did y wi% to see ,mr4 ,b5nett8 ask$ ! precoci\s ,milton politely on "o h& :ile on ! o!r he made a wry grimace4 ,yes--"h is my c>d1 repli$ ! woman4 ,x 0 deeply bord]$ 9 black4 ,ev5 ,milton 0 />tl$ at read+ x3 ,mrs4 ,taylor ,dodge4 ,he look$ at ! woman 9 op5-m\!d a/oni%m5t4 ,ev5 he knew t ,ela9e's "m _h be5 dead = ye>s4 ,! woman1 h[ev]1 true to h] "n 9 ! arti/ic cot]ie 9 :i* %e 0 lead]1 _h sunk into a *air & 0 sobb+ convulsively1 z only ,weepy ,m>y c\ld4 ,x 0 s effective t ev5 ,milton 0 visibly mov$4 ,he took ! c>d 91 excit$ly1 to ,b5nett4 ,!re's a woman outside--says %e is ,mrs4 ,dodge6 he cri$4 ,if ,milton _h _h an ,x-ray eye he c\ld h se5 h] take a cig>ette f h] h&bag & light x non*alantly ! mom5t he 0 gone4 ,z = ,b5nett1 ,milton1 :o 0 wat*+ him closely1 ?\ght he 0 ab\t to dis*>ge him on ! spot = bo!r+ him4 ,he took ! c>d1 & 8 face express$ ! mo/ extreme surprise1 !n ang]4 ,he ?\ght a mom5t4 ,tell t woman to /ate h] bus9ess 9 writ+1 he ?und]$ curtly at ,milton4 ,z ! boy turn$ to g back to ! wait+ room1 ,weepy ,m>y1 he>+ him com+1 ha/ily %ov$ ! cig>ette into h] son's h&4 ,mr4 ,b5nett says = y to write out :at x is y want to see him ab\t1 report$ ,milton1 indicat+ ! table be=e :i* %e 0 sitt+4 ,m>y _h automatically tak5 up sobb+1 ) ! release ( ! cig>ette4 ,%e look$ at ! table on :i* 7 lett] pap]1 p5s & ink4 ,i may write "h8 %e ask$4 ,surely1 ma'am1 repli$ ,milton1 /ill v mu* ov]:elm$ by h] sorr[4 ,weepy ,m>y sat !re1 writ+ & sobb+4 ,9 ! mid/ ( 8 sympa?y1 h[ev]1 ,milton sniff$4 ,!re 0 an unmi/akable odor ( tobacco smoke ab\t ! room4 ,he look$ %>ply at ! son & discov]$ ! /ill smok+ cig>ette4 ,x 0 too mu* = ,milton's outrag$ dignity4 ,b5nett did n all[ him t covet$ privilege4 ,?is up/>t c\ld n usurp x4 ,he rea*$ ov] & seiz$ ! boy by ! arm & swung him ar\nd till he fac$ a sign 9 ! corn] on ! wall4 ,see8 he dem&$4 ,! sign read c\rte\sly3 ,no ,smok+ 9 ,?is ,(fice--,please4 ,,p]ry ,,b5nett4 ,leggo my arm1 sn>l$ ! son1 putt+ ! (f5d+ cig>ette defiantly into 8 m\?4 ,milton coolly & delib]ately rea*$ ov] &1 ) an exagg]at$ polit5ess swiftly & effectively remov$ x1 dropp+ x on ! floor & /amp+ defiantly on x4 ,son rais$ 8 fi/s pugnaci\sly1 = he didn't c>e mu* = ! role he 0 play+1 anyh[4 ,milton did ! same4 ,!re 0 e elem5t ( a gaudy mix-up1 :5 ! out] door ( ! (fice sudd5ly swung op5 & ,ela9e ,dodge ent]$4 ,gallantry 0 ,milton's middle "n & he sprang =w>d to hold ! door1 & !n op5$ ,b5nett's door1 z he u%]$ 9 ,ela9e4 ,z %e pass$ ,weepy ,m>y1 :o 0 /ill writ+ at ! table & cry+ bitt]ly1 ,ela9e hesitat$ & look$ at h] curi\sly4 ,ev5 aft] ,milton _h op5$ ,b5nett's door1 %e c\ld n resi/ ano!r glance4 ,in/9ctively ,ela9e seem$ to sc5t tr\ble4 ,b5nett 0 /ill /udy+ ! black-bord]$ c>d1 :5 %e greet$ him4 ,:o is t woman8 %e ask$1 /ill wond]+ ab\t ! id5tity ( ! ,niobe outside4 ,at fir/ he said no?+4 ,b f9ally1 see+ t %e _h notic$ x1 he h&$ ,ela9e ! c>d1 reluctantly4 ,ela9e read x ) a gasp4 ,! look ( surprise t cross$ h] face 0 t]rible4 ,be=e %e c\ld say any?+1 h[ev]1 ,milton _h return$ ) ! %eet ( pap] on :i* ,weepy ,m>y _h writt5 & h&$ x to ,b5nett4 ,b5nett read x ) uncontroll$ a/oni%m5t4 ,:at is x8 dem&$ ,ela9e4 ,he h&$ x to h] & %e read3 ,z ! lawful wife & wid[ ( ,taylor ,dodge1 ,i dem& my son's rights & my own4 ,,mrs4 ,,taylor ,,dodge4 ,ela9e gasp$ at x4 ,%e--my fa!r's wife6 %e exclaim$1 ,:at effront]y6 ,:at does %e mean8 ,b5nett hesitat$4 ,tell me1 ,ela9e cri$1 ,is !re--c !re be any?+ 9 x8 ,no--no--!re isn't6 ,b5nett spoke 9 a l[ tone4 ,i h he>d a :isp] ( "s sc&al or o!r connect$ ) y\r fa!r--b-- ,he paus$4 ,ela9e 0 fir/ %ock$1 !n indignant4 ,:y--su* a ?+ is absurd4 ,%[ ! woman 96 ,no--please--,miss ,dodge4 ,let me deal ) h]4 ,by ?is "t ,ela9e 0 furi\s4 ,yes--,i ,,w see h]4 ,%e press$ ! button on ,b5nett's desk & ,milton respond$4 ,milton1 %[ !--! woman 91 %e ord]$1 & t boy1 too4 ,z ,milton turn$ to crook 8 f+] at ,weepy ,m>y1 %e nodd$ surreptiti\sly & dug h] f+]s %>ply into son's ribs4 ,yell--y little fool1--yell1 %e :isp]$4 ,ob$i5t to 8 "m's comm&s1 & mu* to ,milton's disgu/1 ! boy />t$ to cry 9 close imitation ( 8 eld]4 ,ela9e 0 /ill hold+ ! pap] 9 h] h&s :5 !y ent]$4 ,:at does all ?is mean8 %e dem&$4 ,weepy ,m>y1 betwe5 sobs1 manag$ to blurt out1 ,y are ,miss ,ela9e ,dodge1 ar5't y8 ,well1 x means t y\r fa!r m>ri$ me :5 ,i 0 only sev5te5 & ?is boy is 8 son--y\r half bro!r4 ,no--nev]1 cri$ ,ela9e vehem5tly1 unable to re/ra9 h] disgu/4 ,he nev] m>ri$ aga94 ,he 0 too devot$ to ! memory ( my "m4 ,weepy ,m>y smil$ cynically4 ,come ) me & ,i w %[ y ! *ur* records & ! m9i/] :o m>ri$ u4 ,y w8 repeat$ ,ela9e defiantly4 ,well1 ,i'll j d z y ask4 ,mr4 ,b5nett %all g ) me4 ,no1 no1 ,miss ,dodge--don't g4 ,leave ! matt] to me1 urg$ ,b5nett4 ,i w take c>e ( ,,h]4 ,besides1 ,i mu/ be 9 c\rt 9 tw5ty m9utes4 ,ela9e paus$1 b %e 0 ?or\ghly ar\s$4 ,!n ,i w g ) h] myself1 %e cri$ defiantly4 ,9 spite ( e objection t ,b5nett made1 ,weepy ,m>y1 h] son1 & ,ela9e w5t out to call a taxicab to take !m to ! railroad /ation :]e !y c\ld cat* a tra9 to ! little t[n :]e ! woman ass]t$ %e _h be5 m>ri$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 be=e a little c\ntry *ur* 9 ! t[n1 a clos$ automobile _h drawn up4 ,z ! door op5$1 a figure1 hump$ up & mask$1 alight$4 ,x 0 ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,! c> _h sc>cely pull$ away1 :5 he gave a long rap1 foll[$ by two %ort taps1 at ! door ( ! ve/ry1 a secret code1 evid5tly4 ,inside ! ve/ry room a well-dress$ man b ) a v s9i/] face he>d ! knock & a second lat] op5$ ! door4 ,:at--n ready yet8 gr[l$ ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,quick--n[--get on ^? clo!s4 ,i he>d ! tra9 :i/le z ,i came 9 ! c>4 ,9 :i* closet does ! m9i/] keep !m8 ,! crook1 )\t a ^w1 w5t to a closet & took out a suit ( clo!s ( m9i/]ial cut4 ,!n he ha/ily put !m on1 add+ "s side-:isk]s1 :i* he _h br\ght ) him4 ,at ab\t ! same "t1 ,ela9e1 accompani$ by ,weepy ,m>y & h] son1 _h arriv$ at ! little tumble-d[n /ation & _h tak5 ! only vehicle 9 sight1 a v anci5t c>riage4 ,x ambl$ along until1 at la/1 x pull$ up be=e ! ve/ry room door ( ! *ur*1 j z ! bogus m9i/] 0 f9i%+ 8 trans=mation f a frank crook4 ,clut*+ ,h& 0 giv+ him f9al in/ructions4 ,ela9e & ! o!rs alight$ & approa*$ ! *ur*1 :ile ! anci5t vehicle rattl$ away4 ,!y're com+1 :isp]$ ! crook1 pe]+ cauti\sly out ( ! w9d[4 ,clut*+ ,h& mov$ sil5tly & snake-l into ! closet & %ut ! door4 ,h[ d y d1 ,dr4 ,c>ton8 greet$ ,weepy ,m>y4 ,i guess y don't rememb] me4 ,! cl]ical g5tleman look$ at h] fix$ly a mom5t4 ,rememb] y8 he repeat$4 ,( c\rse1 my de>4 ,i rememb] ev]yone ,i m>ry4 ,& y rememb] to :om y m>ri$ me8 ,p]fectly4 ,to an old] man--a ,taylor ,dodge4 ,ela9e 0 ov]come4 ,won't y /ep 98 he ask$ suavely4 ,y\r fri5d "h doesn't seem well4 ,!y all ent]$4 ,& y--y say--y m>ri$ ?is--?is woman to ,taylor ,dodge8 qu]i$ ,ela9e1 t5sely4 ,! bogus m9i/] seem$ to be v fa!rly4 ,yes1 he ass5t$1 ,i c]ta9ly did s4 ,h y ! record8 ask$ ,ela9e1 fight+ to ! la/4 ,:y1 yes4 ,i c %[ y ! record4 ,he mov$ ov] to ! closet4 ,come ov] "h1 he ask$4 ,he op5$ ! door4 ,ela9e scream$ & drew back4 ,!re /ood h] ar* enemy1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& himself4 ,z he /epp$ =?1 %e turn$1 wildly1 to run--any:]e4 ,b /rong arms seiz$ h] & =c$ h] into a *air4 ,%e look$ at ! woman & ! m9i/]4 ,x 0 a plot6 ,a mom5t ,clut*+ ,h& look$ ,ela9e ov]4 ,put ! o!rs out1 he ord]$ ! o!r crook4 ,quickly ! man obey$1 lead+ ,weepy ,m>y & h] son to ! door1 & wav+ !m away z he lock$ x4 ,!y left1 q z mu* 9 ! d>k ab\t ! ma/] crim9al's id5tity z ,ela9e4 ,n[1 my pretty de>1 began ! ,clut*+ ,h& z ! lock turn$ 9 ! ve/ry door1 we %all be jo9$ %ortly by y\r fri5d1 ,craig ,k5n$y1 &1 he add$ ) a le]1 ,i ?9k y\r r insi/5t se>* = a c]ta9 p]son w cease4 ,ela9e drew back 9 ! *air1 horrifi$1 at ! impli$ ?reat4 ,clut*+ ,h& laugh$1 diabolically4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:ile ^! a/\nd+ ev5ts 7 transpir+ 9 ! little *ur*1 ,k5n$y & ,i _h be5 te>+ across ! c\ntry 9 8 big c>1 foll[+ ! directions ( our fair fri5d4 ,we /opp$ at la/ be=e a prosp]\s1 attractive-look+ h\se & ent]$ a v prettily furni%$ b small p>lor4 ,heavy porti]es hung ov] ! doorway into ! hall1 ov] ano!r into a back room & ov] ! bay w9d[s4 ,won't y sit d[n a mom5t8 coax$ ,g]tie4 ,i'm q bl[n to pieces aft] t ride4 ,my1 h[ y drive6 ,z %e pull$ aside ! hall porti]es1 ?ree m5 ) guns ?ru/ _! h&s out4 ,i turn$4 ,two o!rs _h /epp$ f ! back room & two m f ! bay w9d[4 ,we 7 surr\nd$4 ,sev5 guns 7 aim$ at u ) deadly precision4 ,no--no--,walt]--x's no use1 %\t$ ,k5n$y calmly re/ra9+ my h& :i* ,i _h clapp$ on my own gun4 ,at ! same "t1 ) 8 o!r h&1 he took f 8 pocket ! small c :i* ,i _h se5 him place !re1 & held x al(t4 ,g5tlem51 he said quietly4 ,i suspect$ "s su* ?+4 ,i h "h a small box ( fulm9ate ( m]cury4 ,if ,i drop x1 ?is build+ & ! entire vic9ity w be bl[n to atoms4 ,g ahead--%oot6 he add$1 non*alantly4 ,! sev5 ( !m drew back1 r hurri$ly4 ,k5n$y 0 a dang]\s prison]4 ,he calmly sat d[n 9 an arm *air1 lean+ back z he c>efully balanc$ ! deadly little box ( fulm9ate ( m]cury on 8 knee4 ,he plac$ 8 f+] tips toge!r & smil$ at ! sev5 crooks1 :o _h ga!r$ toge!r1 />+ brea?lessly at ?is man :o toy$ ) dea?4 ,g]tie ran f ! room4 ,= a mom5t !y look$ at ea* o!r1 undecid$1 !n "o by "o1 !y /epp$ away f ,k5n$y t[>d ! door4 ,! lead] 0 ! la/ to g4 ,he _h sc>cely tak5 a /ep4 ,/op6 ord]$ ,k5n$y4 ,! crook did s4 ,z ,craig mov$ t[>d him1 he wait$1 cold sweat break+ out on 8 face4 ,say1 he :9$1 y let me be6 ,x 0 ineffectual4 ,k5n$y1 /ill smil+ confid5tly1 came clos]1 /ill hold+ ! deadly little box1 balanc$ betwe5 two f+]s4 ,he took ! crook's gun & dropp$ x into 8 pocket4 ,sit d[n6 ord]$ ,craig4 ,outside1 ! o!r six p>ley$ 9 ho>se :isp]s4 ,"o rais$ a gun1 b ! woman & ! o!rs re/ra9$ him & fl$4 ,take me to y\r ma/]6 dem&$ ,k5n$y4 ,! crook rema9$ sil5t4 ,:]e is he8 repeat$ ,craig4 ,tell me6 ,/ill ! man rema9$ sil5t4 ,craig look$ ! fell[ ov] aga94 ,!n1 /ill ) t confid5t smile1 he rea*$ into 8 inside pocket & drew =? ! tube ,i _h se5 him place !re4 ,no matt] h[ mu* ,,y accuse me1 add$ ,craig casually1 no "o w ev] take ! ^w ( a crook t a reputable sci5ti/ l me w\ld d :at ,i am ab\t to d4 ,he _h tak5 out 8 p5knife & op5$ x4 ,!n he beckon$ to me4 ,b>e 8 arm & hold 8 wri/1 ,walt]1 he said4 ,craig b5t d[n ) ! knife & ! tube1 !n paus$ a mom5t & turn$ ! tube s t we c\ld see x4 ,on ! label 7 ! om9\s words3 ,g]m culture #fbdh;,a ,bacillus ,leprae 7,leprosy7 ,calmly he took ! knife & proce$$ to make an incision 9 ! man's arm4 ,! crook's feel+s und]w5t a t]rific /ruggle4 ,no--no--no--don't1 he implor$4 ,i w take y to ! ,clut*+ ,h&--ev5 if x kills me6 ,k5n$y /epp$ back1 replac+ ! tube 9 8 pocket4 ,v well1 g ahead6 he agre$4 ,we foll[$ ! crook1 ,craig /ill hold+ ! deadly box ( fulm9ate ( m]cury c>efully balanc$ s t if anyone %ot him f a hid+ place x w\ld drop4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,no soon] _h we gone ?an ,g]tie hurri$ to ! ne>e/ telephone to in=m ! ,clut*+ ,h& ( our escape4 ,ela9e _h sunk back into ! *air1 z ! telephone rang4 ,clut*+ ,h& answ]$ x4 ,a mom5t lat]1 9 uncontrollable fury he hurl$ ! in/rum5t to ! floor4 ,"h--we've got to act quickly--t devil has escap$ aga91 he hiss$4 ,we mu/ get h] away4 ,y keep h] "h4 ,i'll be back--"r away--) a c>4 ,he da%$ madly f ! *ur*1 pull+ (f 8 mask z he ga9$ ! /reet4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y _h =c$ ! crook ahead ( u into ! c> :i* 0 wait+ & ,i foll[$1 tak+ ! :eel ?is "t4 ,:i* way1 n[--quick6 dem&$ ,craig1 ,& if y get me 9 wrong--,i've got t tube yet--y rememb]4 ,our crook />t$ (f ) a :ole bur/ ( directions t rivall$ ! motor guide--?r\gh ! t[n1 foll[+ trolley tracks1 jog "r1 jog left "u ! ,r4 ,r4 bridge1 leav+ trolley tracks2 at cemet]y turn left1 /opp+ at ! old /one *ur*4 ,is ?is x8 ask$ ,craig incr$ul\sly4 ,yes--z ,i live1 swore ! crook 9 a c[$ voice4 ,he _h gone to pieces4 ,k5n$y jump$ f ! ma*9e4 ,"h1 take ?is gun1 ,walt]1 he said to me4 ,don't take y\r eyes (f ! fell[--keep him cov]$4 ,craig walk$ ar\nd ! *ur*1 out ( sight1 until he came to a small ve/ry w9d[ & look$ 94 ,!re 0 ,ela9e1 sitt+ 9 a *air1 & ne> h] /ood an eld]ly look+ man 9 cl]ical g>b1 :i* to ,craig's tra9$ eye 0 q evid5tly a disguise4 ,ela9e happ5$ j !n to glance at ! w9d[ & h] eyes grew wide ) a/oni%m5t at ! sight ( ,craig4 ,he made a ha/y motion to h] to make a da% = ! door4 ,%e nodd$ quietly4 ,) a glance at h] gu>dian1 %e sudd5ly made a ru%4 ,he 0 at h] 9 a mom5t1 p\nc+ on h]1 cat-l4 ,k5n$y _h seiz$ an iron b> t lay beside ! w9d[ :]e "s workm5 _h be5 repair+ ! /one pavem5t1 &1 ) a bl[ %att]$ ! glass & ! sa%4 ,at ! s\nd ( ! sma%+ glass ! crook turn$ & ) a mighty ef=t ?rew ,ela9e aside1 draw+ 8 revolv]4 ,z he rais$ x1 ,ela9e sprang at him & frantically seiz$ 8 wri/4 ,utt]ly m]ciless1 ! man br\ght ! butt ( ! gun d[n ) full =ce on ,ela9e's head4 ,only h] hat & hair sav$ h]1 b %e sank unconsci\s4 ,!n he turn$ at ,craig & fir$ twice4 ,"o %ot graz$ ,craig's hat1 b ! o!r /ruck him 9 ! %\ld] & ,k5n$y reel$4 ,) a desp]ate ef=t he pull$ himself toge!r & leap$ =w>d aga91 clos+ ) ! fell[ & wr5*+ ! gun f him be=e he c\ld fire aga94 ,x fell to ! floor ) a clang4 ,j !n ! man broke away & made a da% = ! door lead+ back into ! *ur* itself1 ) ,k5n$y aft] him4 ,at ! foot ( a flight ( /airs1 he turn$ long en\gh to pick up a *air4 ,z ,k5n$y came on1 he delib]ately sma%$ x ov] ,craig's head4 ,k5n$y w>d$ (f ! bl[ z be/ he c\ld1 !n1 /ill undaunt$1 />t$ up ! /airs aft] ! fell[4 ,up !y w5t1 into ! *oir l(t & !n into ! belfry itself4 ,!re !y came to %e] h& to h& /ruggle4 ,k5n$y tripp$ on a loose bo>d & w\ld h fall5 backw>ds1 if he _h n be5 able to recov] himself j 9 "t4 ,! crook1 desp]ate1 leap$ = ! ladd] lead+ fur!r up into ! /eeple4 ,k5n$y foll[$4 ,ela9e _h recov]$ consci\sness almo/ imm$iately &1 he>+ ! commotion1 /irr$ & />t$ to rise & look ab\t4 ,f ! *ur* %e c\ld he> s\nds ( ! /ruggle4 ,%e paus$ j long en\gh to seize ! crook's revolv] ly+ on ! floor4 ,%e hurri$ into ! *ur* & up into ! belfry1 !nce up ! ladd]1 :5ce ! s\nds came4 ,! crook by ?is "t _h ga9$ ! outside ( ! /eeple ?r\gh an op5+4 ,k5n$y 0 9 close pursuit4 ,on ! top ( ! /eeple 0 a great gild$ cross1 consid]ably l>g] ?an a man4 ,z ! crook clamb]$ outside1 he scal$ ! /eeple1 us+ a lightn+ rod & "s project+ po9ts to pull himself up1 desp]ately4 ,k5n$y foll[$ unhesitat+ly4 ,!re !y 71 /ruggl+ 9 deadly combat1 cl++ to ! gild$ cross4 ,! fir/ ,i knew ( x 0 a horrifi$ gasp f my own crook4 ,i look$ up c>efully1 fe>+ x 0 a /all to get me (f my gu>d4 ,!re 7 ,k5n$y & ! o!r crook1 /ruggl+1 sway+ back & =?1 betwe5 life & dea?4 ,i look$ at my man4 ,:at %\ld ,i d8 ,%\ld ,i leave him & g to ,craig8 ,if ,i did1 might he n pick u bo? (f1 f a safe vantage po9t1 by "s %>p-%oot+ skill8 ,!re 0 no?+ ,i c\ld d4 ,k5n$y 0 cl++ to a lightn+ rod on ! cross4 ,x broke4 ,i gasp$ z ,craig reel$ back4 ,b he manag$ to cat* hold ( ! rod fur!r d[n & cl+ to x4 ,! crook seem$ to exult diabolically4 ,hold+ ) bo? h&s to ! cross1 he let himself out to 8 full l5g? & /amp$ on ,k5n$y's f+]s1 try+ e way to dislodge him4 ,x 0 all ,k5n$y c\ld d to keep 8 hold4 ,i cri$ out 9 agony at ! sight1 = he _h dislodg$ "o ( ,craig's h&s4 ,! o!r c\ld n hold on mu* long]4 ,he 0 ab\t to fall4 ,j !n ,i saw a face at ! little w9d[ op5+ out f ! ladd] to ! outside ( ! /eeple--a woman's face1 t5se ) horror4 ,x 0 ,ela9e6 ,quickly a h& foll[$ & 9 x 0 a revolv]4 ,j z ! crook 0 ab\t to dislodge ,k5n$y's o!r h&1 ,i saw a fla% & a puff ( smoke & a second lat]1 he>d a report--& ano!r--& ano!r4 ,horrors6 ,! crook :o _h tak5 refuge seem$ to /agg] back1 wildly1 tak+ a c\ple ( /eps 9 ! ?9 air4 ,k5n$y rega9$ 8 hold4 ,) a sick5+ ?ud1 ! body ( ! crook l&$ on ! gr\nd ar\nd ! corn] ( ! *ur* f me4 ,come--y6 ,i gr\nd out1 cov]+ my own crook ) ! pi/ol1 & if y attempt a getaway1 ,i'll kill y1 too6 ,he foll[$1 trembl+1 unn]v$4 ,we b5t ov] ! man4 ,x seem$ t e bone 9 8 body mu/ be brok54 ,he groan$1 & be=e ,i c\ld ev5 attempt any?+ = him1 he 0 dead4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,z ,k5n$y let himself sl[ly & pa9fully d[n ! lightn+ rod1 ,ela9e seiz$ him &1 ) all h] /r5g?1 pull$ him 9 ?r\gh ! w9d[4 ,he 0 q weak n[ f loss ( blood4 ,are y--all "r8 %e gasp$1 z !y rea*$ ! foot ( ! ladd] 9 ! belfry4 ,craig look$ d[n at 8 torn & soil$ clo!s4 ,!n1 9 spite ( ! sm>t+ pa9 ( 8 w\nds1 he smil$1 ,yes--all "r6 ,?ank heav56 %e murmur$ f]v5tly1 try+ to /aun* ! fl[ ( blood4 ,craig gaz$ at h] eag]ly4 ,! great look ( relief 9 h] face seem$ to take away all ! pa9 f 8 own face4 ,9 its place came a look ( wond]--& hope4 ,he c\ld n resi/4 ,?is "t--x 0 y--sav$ me6 he cri$1 ,ela9e6 ,involunt>ily 8 arms s\ght h]s--& he held h] a mom5t1 look+ deep into h] wond]ful eyes4 ,!n _! faces came sl[ly toge!r 9 _! fir/ kiss4 ,,*apt] ,,viii ,,! ,,hidd5 ,,voice ,jameson--wake up6 ,! /ra9 ( ! ,dodge case 0 beg9n+ to tell on me1 = x 0 keep+ u at "w at all k9ds ( h\rs to circumv5t ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 by f> ! clev]e/ crim9al ) :om ,k5n$y _h ev] _h any?+ to d4 ,i _h slept lat] ?an usual t morn+ &1 9 a half doze1 ,i he>d a voice call+ me1 /rangely l ,k5n$y's & yet unlike x4 ,i leap$ out ( b$1 /ill 9 my pajamas1 & /ood = a mom5t />+ ab\t4 ,!n ,i ran into ! liv+ room4 ,i look$ ab\t1 rubb+ my eyes1 />tl$4 ,no "o 0 !re4 ,hey--,jameson--wake up6 ,x 0 spooky4 ,i ran back into ,craig's room4 ,he 0 gone4 ,!re 0 no "o 9 any ( our rooms4 ,! surprise _h n[ ?or\ghly awak5$ me4 ,:]e--! deuce--are y8 ,i dem&$4 ,sudd5ly ,i he>d ! voice aga9--no d\bt ab\t x1 ei!r4 ,"h ,i am--ov] on ! c\*6 ,i scrat*$ my head1 puzzl$4 ,!re 0 c]ta9ly no "o on t c\*4 ,a laugh greet$ me4 ,pla9ly1 ?\gh1 x came f ! c\*4 ,i w5t ov] to x &1 ridicul\s z x seem$1 began to ?r[ aside ! pill[s4 ,!re lay no?+ b a little oblong oak5 box1 p]haps eight or t5 in*es long & ?ree or f\r in*es squ>e at ! ends4 ,9 ! face 7 two peculi> squ>e holes & f ! top project$ a black disc1 ab\t ! size ( a wat*1 fa/5$ on a sw++ metal arm4 ,9 ! face ( ! disc 7 sev]al p]=at$ holes4 ,i pick$ up ! /range look+ ?+ 9 wond] & f t magic oak box actually came a bur/ ( laught]4 ,come ov] to ! laboratory1 "r away1 peal$ =? a m]ry voice4 ,i've some?+ to %[ y4 ,well1 ,i gasp$1 :at d y "k ab\t t8 ,v e>ly t morn+ ,craig _h got up1 leav+ me snor+4 ,cases nev] we>i$ him4 ,he ?riv$ on excitem5t4 ,he _h gone ov] to ! laboratory & set to "w 9 a corn] ov] ano!r ( ^? peculi> boxes1 exactly l t :i* he _h already left 9 our rooms4 ,9 ! face ( ea* ( ^! boxes1 z ,i h said1 7 two squ>e holes4 ,! sides ( ^! holes conv]g$ inw>d into ! box1 9 ! mann] ( a f\r sid$ pyramid1 end+ at ! apex 9 a little circle ( black1 p]haps half an in* across4 ,satisfi$ at la/ ) 8 "w1 ,craig _h /ood back f ! weird app>atus & %\t$ my "n4 ,he _h enjoy$ my surprise to ! fulle/ ext5t1 !n _h ask$ me to jo9 him4 ,half an h\r aft]w>d ,i walk$ into ! laboratory1 feel+ a little %eepi% ov] ! practical joke1 b none ! less curi\s to f9d out all ab\t x4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$ indicat+ ! app>atus4 ,a vocaphone1 he repli$1 /ill laugh+1 ! l\d speak+ telephone1 ! little box t he>s & talks4 ,x talks "r out 9 meet+1 too--no transmitt] to hold to ! m\?1 no receiv] to hold to ! e>4 ,y see1 ?is transmitt] is s s5sitive t x picks up ev5 a :isp]1 & ! receiv] is plac$ back ( ^? two megaphone-l pyramids4 ,he 0 /&+ at a table1 c>efully pack+ up "o ( ! vocaphones & a lot ( wire4 ,i believe ! ,clut*+ ,h& has be5 %ad[+ ! ,dodge h\se1 he cont9u$ ?\ghtfully4 ,z long z we wat* ! place1 too1 he w d no?+4 ,b if we %\ld seem1 o/5tati\sly1 n to be wat*+1 p]haps he may try some?+1 & we may be able to get a clue to 8 id5tity ov] ?is vocaphone4 ,see8 ,i nodd$4 ,we've got to run him d[n someh[1 ,i agre$4 ,yes1 he said1 tak+ 8 coat & hat4 ,i am go+ to connect up "o ( ^! ?+s 9 ,miss ,dodge's libr>y & arrange ) ! telephone company = a cle> wire s t we c li/5 9 "h1 :]e t fell[ w nev] suspect4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at ab\t ! same "t t ,craig & ,i salli$ =? on ?is new mission1 ,ela9e 0 arrang+ "s fl[]s on a /& ne> ! corn] ( ! ,dodge libr>y :]e ! secret panel 0 9 :i* h] fa!r _h hidd5 ! pap]s = ! possession ( :i* ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h murd]$ him4 ,!y did n disclose 8 id5tity1 we knew1 b !y did give directions to at lea/ "o ( 8 hang-outs & 7 !re=e v important4 ,%e _h mov$ away f ! table1 b1 z %e did s1 h] dress caught 9 some?+ 9 ! woodwork4 ,%e tri$ to loos5 x & 9 s do+ t\*$ ! little metallic spr+ on :i* h] dress _h caught4 ,in/antly1 to h] utt] surprise1 ! panel mov$4 ,x slid op51 disclos+ a /rong box4 ,ela9e took x amaz$1 look$ at x a mom5t1 !n c>ri$ x to a table & />t$ to pry x op54 ,x 0 "o ( ^? t9 dispat* boxes :i*1 z f> z ,i h ev] be5 able to det]m9e1 are *iefly valuable = all[+ "o to place a lot ( /uff 9 a receptacle :i* is v conv5i5t = a crim9al4 ,%e _h no tr\ble 9 op5+ x4 ,inside 7 "s pap]s1 seal$ 9 an envelope & m>k$ ,limpy ,r$ ,correspond5ce4 ,!y mu/ be ! ,clut*+ ,h& pap]s6 %e exclaim$ to h]self1 hesitat+ a mom5t 9 d\bt :at to d4 ,! fatal docum5ts seem$ almo/ uncanny4 ,_! v pres5ce fright5$ h]4 ,:at %\ld %e d8 ,%e seiz$ ! telephone & eag]ly call$ ,k5n$y's numb]4 ,hello1 answ]$ a voice4 ,is t y1 ,craig8 %e ask$ excit$ly4 ,no1 ?is is ,mr4 ,jameson4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 ,i've discov]$ ! ,clut*+ ,h& pap]s1 %e began1 m & m excit$4 ,h y read !m8 came back ! voice quickly4 ,no--%all ,i8 ,!n don't unseal !m1 caution$ ! voice4 ,put !m back exactly z y f\nd !m & ,i'll tell ,mr4 ,k5n$y ! mom5t ,i c get hold ( him4 ,all "r1 nodd$ ,ela9e4 ,i'll d t4 ,& please get him--z soon z y possibly c4 ,i w4 ,i'm go+ out %opp+ n[1 %e return$1 sudd5ly4 ,b1 tell him ,i'll be back--"r away4 ,v well4 ,hang+ up ! receiv]1 ,ela9e dutifully replac$ ! pap]s 9 ! box & return$ ! box to its secret hid+ place1 press+ ! spr+ & slid+ ! panel %ut4 ,a few m9utes lat] %e left ! h\se 9 ! ,dodge c>4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,outside our laboratory1 lean+ up aga9/ a rail+1 ,dan ! ,dude1 an emiss>y ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 ^: dress n[ greatly beli$ 8 und]world monnik]1 _h be5 %ad[+ u1 wat*+ to see :5 we left4 ,! mom5t we disappe>$1 he rais$ 8 h& c>efully above 8 head & made ! sign ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,f> d[n ! /reet1 9 a clos$ c>1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& himself1 8 face mask$1 gave an answ]+ sign4 ,a mom5t lat] he left ! c>1 gaz+ ab\t /eal?ily4 ,n a s\l 0 9 sight & he manag$ to make 8 way to ! door ( our laboratory )\t be+ obs]v$4 ,!n he op5$ x ) a pass key :i* he mu/ h obta9$ 9 "s way by work+ ! janitor or ! univ]sity (ficials4 ,probably he ?\ght t ! pap]s might be at ! laboratory1 = he _h repeat$ly fail$ to locate !m at ! ,dodge h\se4 ,at any rate he 0 busily engag$ 9 ransack+ draw]s & cab9ets 9 ! laboratory1 :5 ! telephone sudd5ly rang4 ,he did n want to answ] x1 b if x kept on r++ someone outside might come 94 ,an in/ant he hesitat$4 ,!n1 disguis+ 8 voice z mu* z he c\ld to imitate m9e1 he took (f ! receiv]4 ,hello6 he answ]$4 ,8 face 0 a /udy 9 all t 0 d>k z he realiz$ t x 0 ,ela9e call+4 ,he cl5*$ 8 crook$ h& ev5 m vici\sly4 ,h y read !m8 he ask$1 curb+ 8 impati5ce z %e unsuspect+ly p\r$ =? h] /ory1 suppos$ly to me4 ,!n don't unseal !m1 he ha/5$ to reply4 ,put !m back4 ,!n !re c be no "q ab\t !m4 ,y c op5 !m be=e witnesses4 ,= a mom5t he paus$1 !n add$1 ,put !m back & tell no "o ( _! discov]y4 ,i w tell ,mr4 ,k5n$y ! mom5t ,i c get him4 ,a smile spread ov] 8 s9i/] face z ,ela9e confid$ 9 him h] int5tion to g %opp+4 ,a r exp5sive exp$ition = y1 "y lady1 he mutt]$ to himself z he return$ ! receiv] to ! hook4 ,clut*+ ,h& lo/ no fur!r "t at ! laboratory4 ,he _h ?us1 luckily = him1 f\nd out :at he want$4 ,! pap]s 7 n !re aft] all1 b at ! ,dodge h\se4 ,suppose %e %\ld really be gone on only a %ort %opp+ trip & %\ld return to f9d t %e _h be5 fool$ ov] ! wire8 ,quickly1 he w5t to ! telephone aga94 ,hello1 ,dan1 he call$ :5 he got 8 numb]4 ,miss ,dodge is go+ %opp+4 ,i want y & ! o!r ,fals]s to foll[ h]--delay h] all y c4 ,use y\r own judgm5t4 ,x 0 :at _h come to be kn[n 9 8 organization z ! ,bro!rhood ( ,fals]s4 ,!re1 9 ! back room ( a l[ dive1 7 ,dan ! ,dude1 ! emiss>y :o _h be5 loit]+ ab\t ! laboratory1 a gunman1 ,dago ,mike1 a c\ple ( wom51 slatt]ns1 "o kn[n z ,kitty ! ,hawk1 & a boy ( eight or t51 :om !y call$ ,billy4 ,be=e !m /ood l>ge s*oon]s ( be]1 :ile ! precoci\s y\ng/] grumbl$ ov] milk4 ,all "r1 ,*ief1 %\t$ back ,dan1 _! lead] z he hung up ! telephone aft] not+ c>efully ! ha/y in/ructions4 ,we'll d x--tru/ u4 ,! o!rs1 kn[+ t a job 0 to light5 ! monotony ( exi/5ce1 ga!r$ ab\t him4 ,!y li/5$ int5tly z he detail$ to !m ! ord]s ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 ha/ily plann+ out ! campaign l a division comm&] dispos+ 8 =ces 9 battle & assign+ ea* 8 "p4 ,) alacrity ! ,bro!rhood w5t _! sep>ate ways4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e _h n be5 gone long f ! h\se :5 ,craig & ,i arriv$ !re4 ,%e _h foll[$ ! telephone in/ructions ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& & _h told no "o4 ,too bad1 greet$ ,j5n+s1 b ,miss ,ela9e has j gone %opp+ & ,i don't "k :5 %e'll be back4 ,%opp+ be+ an unc]ta9 elem5t z f> z "t 0 conc]n$1 ,k5n$y ask$ if anyone else 0 at home4 ,mrs4 ,dodge is 9 ! libr>y read+1 sir1 repli$ ,j5n+s1 tak+ x = grant$ t we w\ld see h]4 ,aunt ,joseph9e greet$ u cordially & ,craig set d[n ! vocaphone package he 0 c>ry+4 ,%e nodd$ to ,j5n+s to leave u & he )drew4 ,i'm n go+ to let any?+ happ5 "h to ,miss ,ela9e aga9 if ,i c help x1 rem>k$ ,craig 9 a l[ tone1 a mom5t lat]1 gaz+ ab\t ! libr>y4 ,:at are y ?9k+ ( do+8 ask$ ,aunt ,joseph9e ke5ly4 ,i'm go+ to put 9 a vocaphone1 he return$ unwrapp+ x4 ,:at's t8 %e ask$4 ,a l\d speak+ telephone--connect$ ) my laboratory1 he expla9$1 repeat+ :at he _h already told me1 :ile %e li/5$ almo/ awe-/ruck at ! late/ sci5tific wond]4 ,he 0 look+ ab\t1 try+ to figure out j :]e x c\ld be plac$ to be/ advantage1 :5 he approa*$ ! suit ( armor4 ,i see y h br\ght x back & _h x repair$1 he rem>k$ to ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,sudd5ly 8 face light$ up4 ,ah--an idea6 he exclaim$4 ,no "o w ev] ?9k to look ,,inside t4 ,x 0 inde$ an inspiration4 ,k5n$y work$ quickly n[1 plac+ ! little box inside ! brea/ plate ( ! anci5t arm\r] ) ! top ( ! in/rum5t project+ "r up into ! helmet4 ,x 0 a /range comb9ation--! m$ieval & ! ultra-mod]n4 ,n[1 ,mrs4 ,dodge1 he said f9ally1 z he _h complet$ in/all+ ! ?+ & hid+ ! wire "u c>pets & rugs until x ran out to ! connection :i* he made ) ! telephone1 don't brea! a ^w ( x--to anyone4 ,we don't "k :o to tru/ or suspect4 ,i %all n1 %e answ]$1 by ?is "t ?or\ghly educat$ 9 ! value ( sil5ce4 ,k5n$y look$ at 8 wat*4 ,i've got an engagem5t ) ! telephone company1 n[1 he said r briskly1 al?\gh ,i knew t if ,ela9e _h be5 !re ! company & ev]y?+ c\ld h gone hang = ! pres5t4 ,sorry n to h se5 ,miss ,ela9e1 he add$ z we b[$ ourselves out1 b ,i ?9k we've got h] protect$ n[4 ,i hope s1 sigh$ h] aunt4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e's c> _h /opp$ f9ally at a %op on ,fif? ,av5ue4 ,%e /epp$ out & ent]$1 leav+ h] *auffeur to wait4 ,z %e did s1 ,dan & ,billy sidl$ along ! cr[d$ sidewalk4 ,!re %e is1 ,billy1 po9t$ out ,dan z ,ela9e disappe>$ ?r\gh ! sw++ doors ( ! %op4 ,n[1 y wait "r "h1 he in/ruct$ /eal?ily1 & :5 %e comes out--y "k :at to d4 ,only1 be c>eful4 ,dan ! ,dude left ,billy1 & ,billy surreptiti\sly drew f "u 8 coat a dirty half loaf ( bread4 ,) a glance ab\t1 he dropp$ x into ! gutt] close to ! entrance to ,ela9e's c>4 ,!n he )drew a little di/ance4 ,:5 ,ela9e came out & approa*$ h] c>1 ,billy1 look+ z cold & =lorn z c\ld be1 %ot =w>d4 ,pret5d+ to spy ! dirty piece ( bread 9 ! gutt]1 he made a dive = x1 j z ,ela9e 0 ab\t to /ep into ! c>4 ,ela9e1 surpris$1 drew back4 ,billy pick$ up ! piece ( bread &1 ) all ! actions ( hav+ discov]$ a treasure1 began to gnaw at x voraci\sly4 ,%ock$ at ! disgu/+ sight1 %e tri$ to take ! bread away f him4 ,i "k x's dirty1 ,miss1 :imp]$ ,billy1 b x's ! fir/ food ,i've se5 = f\r days4 ,in/antly ,ela9e 0 full ( sympa?y4 ,%e _h tak5 ! food away4 ,t w\ld n suffice4 ,:at's y\r "n1 little boy8 %e ask$4 ,billy1 he repli$1 blubb]+4 ,:]e d y live8 ,) me "m & fa!r--!y're sick--no?+ to eat-- ,he 0 :imp]+ an address f> ov] on ! ,ea/ ,side4 ,get into ! c>1 ,ela9e direct$4 ,gee--b ?is is swell1 he cri$1 ) no fake1 ?is "t4 ,on !y w5t1 ?r\gh ! t5em5t canyons1 dodg+ *ildr5 & pu%c>ts1 /opp+ fir/ at a groc]'s1 !n at a but*]'s & a delicatess54 ,f9ally ! c> /opp$ :]e ,billy direct$4 ,billy hobbl$ out1 foll[$ by ,ela9e & h] *auffeur1 8 arms pil$ high ) provisions4 ,%e 0 inde$ a lovely ,lady ,b\ntiful z a cr[d ( kids quickly surr\nd$ ! c>4 ,9 ! meantime ,dago ,mike & ,kitty ! ,hawk _h gone to a wret*$ flat1 be=e :i* ,billy /opp$4 ,kitty sat on ! b$1 putt+ d>k circles "u h] eyes ) a black5$ cork4 ,%e 0 v ?9 & emaciat$1 b x 0 dissipation t _h done x4 ,dago ,mike 0 correspond+ly poorly dress$4 ,he _h paus$ beside ! w9d[ to look out4 ,%e's com+1 he ann\nc$ f9ally4 ,kitty ha/ily jump$ into ! rickety b$1 :ile ,mike took up a crut* t 0 /&+ idly 9 a corn]4 ,%e c\gh$ resign$ly & he limp$ ab\t1 =lorn4 ,!y _h assum$ _! p>ts :i* 7 almo/ to ! burlesque ( pov]ty1 :5 ! door 0 pu%$ op5 & ,billy bur/ 9 foll[$ by ,ela9e & ! *auffeur4 ,oh1 ma--oh1 pa1 he cri$ runn+ =w>d & kiss+ 8 pseudo-p>5ts1 z ,ela9e1 ov]come ) sympa?y1 direct$ ! *auffeur to lay ! ?+s on a %aky table4 ,god bless y1 lady1 = a b5evol5t angel6 mutt]$ ! pair1 to :i* ,ela9e respond$ by mov+ ov] to ! wret*$ b$ & b5d+ d[n to /roke ! =ehead ( ! sick woman4 ,billy & ,mike ex*ang$ a sly w9k4 ,j !n ! door op5$ aga94 ,all 7 g5u9ely surpris$ ?is "t1 = a prim1 spick & span1 middle-ag$ woman ent]$4 ,i am ,miss ,/ati/ix1 ( ! organiz$ *>ities1 %e ann\nc$1 look+ ar\nd %>ply4 ,i saw y\r c> /&+ outside1 ,miss1 & ! *ildr5 bel[ told me y 7 up "h4 ,i came up to see :e!r y 7 aid+ really ,,des]v+ poor4 ,%e laid a m>k$ emphasis on ! ^w1 purs+ up h] lips4 ,!re 0 no mi/ak+ ! appreh5sion t ^! f9e birds ( prey _h ( h]1 ei!r4 ,miss ,/ati/ix took a /ep =w>d1 look+ 9 a v sup]ior mann] f ,ela9e to ! packages ( food & !n at ^! prize memb]s ( ! ,bro!rhood4 ,%e snort$ contemptu\sly4 ,:y--:-:at's ! matt]8 ask$ ,ela9e1 fidget+ uncom=tably1 z if %e 7 h]self guilty1 9 ! icy atmosph]e t n[ seem$ to envelope all ?+s4 ,?is man is a gunman1 t woman is a bad woman1 ! boy is ,billy ! ,bread-,snat*]1 %e answ]$ precisely1 draw+ out a c>d on :i* to record some?+1 & y1 ,miss1 are a fool6 ,ya6 sn>l$ ! two preci\s fals]s1 get out o' "h6 ,!re 0 no combat+ ,miss ,/ati/ix4 ,%e ov]:elm$ all argum5ts by ! v exactness ( h] p]sonality4 ,,y get out6 %e c\nt]$4 ,kitty & ,mike1 accompani$ by ,billy1 sneak$ out4 ,ela9e1 n[ v mu* emb>rass$1 look$ ab\t1 wond]+ at ! rapid-fire *ange4 ,miss ,/ati/ix smil$ pity+ly4 ,su* innoc5ce6 %e murmur$ sadly %ak+ h] head z %e lead ,ela9e to ! door4 ,don't y "k bett] ?an to try to help anybody )\t ,,inve/igat+8 ,ela9e dep>t$1 spee*less1 prop]ly squel*$1 foll[$ by h] *auffeur4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 a clos$ c>1 su* z _h /ood across f ! laboratory1 _h drawn up n f> f ! ,dodge h\se4 ,ne> x 0 a man 9 r %abby clo!s & a visor$ cap on :i* 7 ! words 9 dull gold lett]+1 ,metropolitan ,w9d[ ,clean+ ,co4 ,he c>ri$ a bucket & a small ext5sion ladd]4 ,9 ! d>k5$ recesses ( ! c> 0 ! ,clut*+ ,h& himself1 mask$ z usual4 ,he _h 8 wat* 9 8 h& & 0 giv+ mo/ m9ute in/ructions to ! w9d[ clean] ab\t some?+4 ,z ! latt] turn$ to g1 a %>p obs]v] w\ld h not$ t x 0 ,dan ! ,dude1 /ill fur!r disguis$4 ,a few mom5ts lat]1 ,dan appe>$ at ! s]vants' entrance ( ! ,dodge h\se & rang ! bell4 ,j5n+s1 :o happ5$ to be d[n !re1 came to ! door4 ,man to clean ! w9d[s1 salut$ ! bogus clean]1 t\*+ 8 hat 9 a way quietly to call att5tion to ! words on x & draw+ f 8 pocket a fak$ writt5 ord]4 ,all "r1 nodd$ ,j5n+s exam9+ ! ord] & f9d+ x app>5tly all "r4 ,dan foll[$ him 91 tak+ ! ladd] & bucket up/airs1 :]e ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 /ill read+4 ,! man to clean ! w9d[s1 ma'am1 apologiz$ ,j5n+s4 ,oh1 v well1 %e nodd$1 tak+ up h] book1 to g4 ,!n1 recall+ ! frequ5t injunctions ( ,k5n$y1 %e paus$ long en\gh to speak quietly to ,j5n+s4 ,/ay "h & wat* him1 %e :isp]$ z %e w5t out4 ,j5n+s nodd$1 :ile ,dan op5$ a w9d[ & set to "w4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e _h sc>cely />t$ aga9 9 h] c> d[n ! cr[d$ n>r[ /reet4 ,f h] position %e c\ld n possibly h se5 ,johnnie1 ano!r ( ! ,bro!rhood1 wat*+ h] eag]ly up ! /reet4 ,b z h] c> approa*$1 ,johnnie1 ) great det]m9ation1 pull$ himself toge!r & ran =w>d across ! /reet4 ,%e saw t4 ,oh6 %e scream$1 h] he>t almo/ /opp+4 ,he _h fall5 directly 9 front ( ! :eels ( ! c>1 app>5tly1 & al?\gh ! *auffeur /opp$ ) a jolt1 x seem$ t ! boy _h be5 run ov]4 ,!y jump$ out4 ,!re he 01 sure en\gh1 "u ! v :eels4 ,p came runn+ n[ 9 all directions & lift$ him up1 groan+ pite\sly4 ,he seem$ lit]ally twi/$ into a knot :i* look$ z if e bone 9 8 body 0 brok5 or dislocat$4 ,ela9e 0 ov]come4 ,=1 foll[+ _! natural in/9cts ! cr[d began pu%+ 9 ) cries ( ,lyn* ! driv]6 ,x w\ld h gone h>d ) him1 too1 if %e _h n int]f]$4 ,"h6 cri$ ,ela9e1 /epp+ 94 ,x wasn't 8 fault4 ,! boy ran across ! /reet "r 9 front ( ! c>4 ,n[--we're j go+ to ru% ?is boy to ! hospital--"r away6 ,%e lift$ ,johnnie g5tly into ! c> h]self & !y drove (f1 to a v vigor\s bl[+ ( ! horn4 ,a few mom5ts lat] !y pull$ up be=e ! ambulance entrance to ! hospital4 ,quick6 beckon$ ,ela9e to ! att5dants1 :o ran out & c>ri$ ,johnnie1 /ill a complicat$ knot ( brok5 bones1 inside4 ,9 ! reception room 7 a c\ple ( nurses & a "y m$ical /ud5t1 :5 ,johnnie 0 c>ri$ 9 & laid on ! b$4 ,! /ud5t1 m int]e/$ 9 ,ela9e ?an ! boy1 exam9$ him4 ,8 face wore a puzzl$ look & !re 0 e reason to believe t ,johnnie 0 s]i\sly injur$4 ,at t mom5t ! door op5$ & an eld]ly1 gray-be>d$ h\se physician ent]$4 ,! o!rs /epp$ back f ! b$ respectfully4 ,he advanc$ & exam9$ ,johnnie4 ,! doctor look$ at ! boy a mom5t1 !n at ,ela9e4 ,i w n[ effect a miracul\s cure by ! lay+ on ( h&s1 he ann\nc$1 add+ quickly1 --& ( feet6 ,to ! utt] surprise ( all he seiz$ ! boy by ! coat coll>1 lift+ him up & actually b\nc+ him on ! floor4 ,!n he pick$ him up1 %ook him & ran him out ( ! room1 deliv]+ "o la/ kick z he w5t ?r\gh ! door4 ,by ! way ,johnnie w5t1 x 0 q evid5t t he 0 no m injur$ ?an ! *auffeur4 ,ela9e did n "k :e!r to be angry or to laugh1 b f9ally jo9$ 9 ! g5]al laugh4 ,t 0 ,d\ble-,jo9t$ ,johnnie1 puff$ ! doctor1 z he return$ to !m1 "o ( ! greate/ accid5t fak]s 9 ! city4 ,ela9e1 hav+ _h two un=tunate exp]i5ces dur+ ! day1 n[ decid$ to g home & ! doctor politely escort$ h] to h] c>4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,f 8 clos$ c>1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& gaz$ int5tly at ! ,dodge h\se4 ,he c\ld see ,dan on ! ladd]1 n[ wa%+ ! libr>y w9d[1 8 back t[>d him4 ,dan turn$ sl[ly & made ! sign ( ! h&4 ,turn+ to 8 *auffeur1 ! ma/] crim9al spoke a few words 9 a l[ tone & ! driv] hurri$ (f4 ,a few m9utes lat] ! driv] might h be5 se5 ent]+ a ne>-by drug /ore & go+ into ! telephone boo?4 ,)\t a mom5t's hesitation he call$ up ! ,dodge h\se & ,m>ie1 ,ela9e's maid1 answ]$4 ,is ,j5n+s !re8 he ask$4 ,tell him a fri5d wants to speak to him4 ,wait a m9ute1 %e answ]$4 ,i'll get him4 ,m>ie w5t t[>d ! libr>y1 leav+ ! telephone (f ! hook4 ,dan 0 wa%+ ! w9d[s1 half inside1 half outside ! h\se1 :ile ,j5n+s 0 try+ to be v busy1 al?\gh x 0 app>5t t he 0 wat*+ ,dan closely4 ,a fri5d ( y\rs wants to speak to y ov] ! telephone1 ,j5n+s1 said ,m>ie1 z %e came into ! libr>y4 ,! butl] respond$ sl[ly1 ) a cov]t glance at ,dan4 ,no soon] _h !y gone1 h[ev]1 ?an ,dan climb$ all ! way into ! room1 ran to ! door & look$ aft] !m4 ,!n he ran to ! w9d[4 ,across & d[n ! /reet1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& 0 gaz+ at ! h\se4 ,he _h se5 ,dan disappe> & suspect$ t ! "t _h come4 ,sure en\gh1 !re 0 ! sign ( ! h&4 ,he ha/ily got out ( ! c> & hurri$ up ! /reet4 ,all ?is "t ! *auffeur 0 keep+ ,j5n+s busy ov] ! telephone ) "s trump$-up /ory4 ,z ! ma/] crim9al came 9 by ! ladd] ?r\gh ! op5 w9d[1 ,dan 0 on gu>d1 li/5+ d[n ! hallway4 ,a signal f ,dan1 & ,clut*+ ,h& slid back ( ! porti]es4 ,j5n+s 0 return+4 ,i've f9i%$ ^! w9d[s1 ann\nc$ ,dan z ! butl] reappe>$4 ,n[1 ,i'll clean ! hall w9d[s4 ,j5n+s foll[$ l a %ad[1 tak+ ! bucket4 ,no soon] _h !y gone ?an ,clut*+ ,h& /eal?ily came f beh9d ! porti]es4 ,"o ( ! maids 0 sweep+ 9 ! hall z ,dan w5t t[>d ! w9d[1 ab\t to wa% x4 ,i wond] :e!r ,i lock$ ^! w9d[s8 mutt]$ ,j5n+s1 paus+ 9 ! hallway4 ,i guess ,i'd bett] make sure4 ,he _h tak5 only a /ep t[>d ! libr>y aga91 :5 ,dan wat*fully caught sight ( him4 ,x w\ld nev] d to h ,j5n+s snoop+ ar\nd !re n[4 ,quick action 0 necess>y4 ,dan knock$ ov] a co/ly ,sevres vase4 ,!re--clumsy--see :at y've done6 b]at$ ,j5n+s1 />t+ to pick up ! pieces4 ,dan _h act$ 8 "p well & promptly4 ,9 ! libr>y1 ,clut*+ ,h& 0 busily engag$ at t mom5t beside ! secret panel se>*+ = ! spr+ t releas$ x4 ,he ran 8 f+] along ! woodwork1 paus+ "h & !re )\t succe$+4 ,conf\nd x6 he mutt]$1 se>*+ fev]i%ly4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y1 hav+ made ! arrangem5ts ) ! telephone company by :i* he _h a cle> wire f ! ,dodge h\se to 8 laboratory1 _h rejo9$ me !re & 0 putt+ on ! f9i%+ t\*es to 8 in/allation ( ! vocaphone4 ,e n[ & !n he w\ld swit* x on1 & we w\ld li/5 9 z he demon/rat$ ! wond]ful little in/rum5t to me4 ,he _h he>d ! w9d[ clean] & ,j5n+s1 b ?\ght no?+ ( x at ! "t4 ,once1 h[ev]1 ,craig paus$ & ,i saw him li/5+ m int5tly ?an usual4 ,!y've gone out1 he mutt]$1 b surely !re is someone 9 ! ,dodge libr>y4 ,i li/5$2 too4 ,! ?+ 0 s s5sitive t ev5 a :isp] c\ld be magnifi$ & ,i c]ta9ly did he> some?+4 ,k5n$y fr[n$4 ,:at 0 t scrat*+ noise8 ,c\ld x be ,j5n+s8 ,p]haps x 0 ,ru/y4 ,j !n we c\ld di/+ui% a s\nd z ?\gh someone _h mov$ ab\t4 ,no--t's n ,j5n+s1 cri$ ,craig4 ,he w5t out4 ,he look$ at me a mom5t4 ,! same /eal?y noise 0 repeat$4 ,x's ! ,clut*+ ,h&6 he exclaim$ excit$ly4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,dan hurri$ into ! ,dodge libr>y4 ,= heav5's sake1 ,*ief1 hurry6 he :isp]$ ho>sely4 ,! fals]s mu/ h fall5 d[n4 ,! girl h]self is com+6 ,dan himself _h no "t to wa/e4 ,he retreat$ into ! hallway j z ,j5n+s 0 op5+ ! door = ,ela9e4 ,m>ie took h] wraps & left h]1 :ile ,ela9e h&$ h] num]\s packages to ,j5n+s4 ,dan wat*$ e motion4 ,put !m away1 ,j5n+s1 %e said s(tly4 ,j5n+s _h obey$ & gone up/airs4 ,ela9e mov$ t[>d ! libr>y4 ,dan took a quiet /ep or two beh9d h]1 9 ! same direction4 ,9 ! libr>y1 ,clut*+ ,h& 0 n[ frantically se>*+ = ! spr+4 ,he he>d ,ela9e com+ & dodg$ beh9d ! curta9s aga9 j z %e ent]$4 ,) a ha/y look ab\t1 %e saw no "o4 ,!n %e w5t quickly to ! panel1 f\nd ! spr+1 & press$ x4 ,s _m que] ?+s _h happ5$ to h] s9ce %e w5t out t %e _h begun to worry ov] ! safety ( ! pap]s4 ,! panel op5$4 ,!y 7 !re1 all "r4 ,%e op5$ ! box & took !m out1 hesitat+ to break ! seal be=e ,k5n$y arriv$4 ,/eal?y & tig]-l ! ,clut*+ ,h& crept up beh9d h]4 ,z he did s1 ,dan gaz$ 9 ?r\gh ! porti]es f ! hall4 ,) a spr+1 ,clut*+ ,h& leap$ at ,ela9e1 snat*+ at ! pap]s4 ,ela9e clung to !m t5aci\sly 9 spite ( ! surprise1 & !y /ruggl$ = !m1 ,clut*+ ,h& hold+ "o h& ov] h] m\? to prev5t h] scream+4 ,in/antly ,dan 0 !re1 aid+ 8 *ief4 ,*oke h]6 ,/rangle h]6 ,don't let h] scream6 he gr\nd out4 ,!y f\ght vici\sly4 ,w\ld !y succe$8 ,x 0 two desp]ate1 unscrupul\s m5 aga9/ "o frail girl4 ,sudd5ly1 f ! man 9 armor 9 ! corn]1 z if by a miracle came a deep1 l\d voice4 ,help6 ,help6 ,murd]6 ,police6 ,!y are /rangl+ me6 ,! effect 0 t]rific4 ,clut*+ ,h& & ,dan1 h>d5$ 9 crime z !y 71 fell back1 daz$1 ov]come = ! mom5t at ! />tl+ effect4 ,!y look$ ab\t4 ,n a s\l4 ,!n to _! utt] con/]nation1 f ! vizor ( ! helmet aga9 came ! deep1 vibrat+ w>n+4 ,help6 ,murd]6 ,police6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y & ,i _h be5 li/5+ ov] ! vocaphone1 = ! mom5t non-pluss$ at ! fell['s d>+4 ,!n we he>d f ! uncanny in/rum5t1 ,= ,heav5's sake1 ,*ief1 hurry6 ,! fals]s h fall5 d[n4 ,! girl h]self is com+6 ,:at x meant we did n "k4 ,b ,craig 0 almo/ beside himself1 z he ord]$ me to try to get ! police by telephone1 if !re 0 any way to block !m4 ,only in/ant action w\ld c\nt1 h[ev]4 ,:at to d8 ,he c\ld he> ! ma/] crim9al pla9ly fumbl+1 n[4 ,yes1 t's ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 he repeat$4 ,wait1 ,i caution$1 someone else is com+6 ,by a sort ( in/9ct he seem$ to recognize ! s\nds4 ,ela9e6 he exclaim$1 pal+4 ,in/antly foll[$1 9 less "t ?an ,i c tell x1 ! s\nds ( a suppress$ scuffle4 ,he has seiz$ h]--gagg$ h]1 ,i cri$ 9 an agony ( susp5se4 ,we c\ld n[ he> ev]y?+ t 0 go+ on 9 ! libr>y4 ,craig 0 wildly excit$4 ,z = me1 ,i 0 spee*less4 ,"h 0 ! vocaphone we _h in/all$4 ,x _h w>n$ u4 ,b :at c\ld we d8 ,i look$ blankly at ,k5n$y4 ,he 0 equal to ! em]g5cy4 ,he calmly turn$ a swit*4 ,!n1 at ! top ( 8 lungs1 he %\t$1 ,help6 ,help6 ,police6 ,!y are /rangl+ me6 ,i look$ at him 9 amazem5t4 ,:at did he ?9k he c\ld d--blocks away8 ,x works bo? ways1 he mutt]$4 ,help6 ,murd]6 ,police6 ,we c\ld he> ! a/\nd$ curs+ ( ! two m54 ,also1 d[n ! hall1 n[1 we c\ld he> foot/eps approa*+ 9 answ] to 8 call = help--,aunt ,joseph9e1 ,j5n+s1 ,m>ie1 & o!rs1 all %\t+ out t !re 7 cries 9 ! libr>y4 ,! deuce6 ,:at is x8 mutt]$ a gruff voice4 ,! man 9 armor6 hiss$ ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,"h !y come1 too1 ,*ief6 ,!re 0 a p>t+ scuffle4 ,!re--take t6 ,a l\d metallic r++ came f ! vocaphone4 ,!n1 sil5ce6 ,:at _h happ5$ 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! libr>y1 recov]$ f _! fir/ %ock ( surprise1 ,dan cri$ out to ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 ,! deuce4 ,:at is x8 ,!n1 look+ ab\t1 ,clut*+ ,h& quickly took 9 ! situation4 ,! man 9 armor6 he po9t$ out4 ,dan 0 almo/ dead ) fright at ! weird ?+4 ,"h !y come1 too1 ,*ief1 he gasp$1 z1 d[n ! hall he c\ld he> ! family %\t+ out t someone 0 9 ! libr>y4 ,) a p>t+ ?ru/1 ,clut*+ ,h& s5t ,ela9e reel+4 ,%e held on to only a corn] ( ! pap]s4 ,he _h ! great] "p ( !m4 ,!y 7 torn & de/roy$1 anyway4 ,f9ally1 ) all ! v5om\sness ( :i* he 0 capable1 ,clut*+ ,h& ru%$ at ! armor suit1 drew back 8 glov$ fi/1 & let x %oot out squ>ely 9 a vici\s sol> plexus bl[4 ,!re--take t6 he ro>$4 ,! suit rattl$1 furi\sly4 ,out ( x spill$ ! vocaphone ) a bang on ! floor4 ,an in/ant lat] ^? 9 ! hall ru%$ 94 ,b ! ,clut*+ ,h& & ,dan 7 gone out ( ! w9d[1 ! crim9al c>ry+ ! great] "p ( ! preci\s pap]s4 ,"s ran to ,ela9e1 o!rs to ! w9d[4 ,! ladd] _h be5 kick$ away & ! crim9als 7 gone4 ,leap+ into ! wait+ c>1 !y _h be5 :isk$ away4 ,hello6 ,hello6 ,hello6 call$ a voice1 app>5tly f n[h]e4 ,:at is t8 cri$ ,ela9e1 /ill blankly wond]+4 ,%e _h ris5 by ?is "t & 0 gaz+ ab\t1 wond]+ at ! /range voice4 ,sudd5ly h] eye fell on ! armor scatt]$ all ov] ! floor4 ,%e spi$ ! little oak box4 ,ela9e6 ,app>5tly ! voice came f t4 ,besides1 x _h a famili> r+ to h] e>s4 ,yes--,craig6 %e cri$4 ,?is is my vocaphone--! little box t he>s & talks1 came back to h]4 ,are y all "r8 ,yes--all "r1--?anks to ! vocaphone4 ,%e _h und]/ood 9 an in/ant4 ,%e seiz$ ! helmet & brea/plate to :i* ! vocaphone /ill 0 atta*$ & 0 hold+ !m close to h]self4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y _h be5 call+ & li/5+ int5tly ov] ! ma*9e1 wond]+ :e!r x _h be5 put out ( bus9ess 9 "s way4 ,x works--yet6 he cri$ excit$ly to me4 ,ela9e6 ,yes1 ,craig1 came back ov] ! fai?ful little in/rum5t4 ,are y all "r8 ,yes--all "r4 ,?ank heav56 brea!d ,craig1 pu%+ me aside4 ,lit]ally he kiss$ t vocaphone z if x _h be5 human6 ,,*apt] ,,ix ,,! ,,dea? ,,ray ,k5n$y 0 read+ a sci5tific treatise "o morn+1 :ile ,i 0 bang+ on ! typewrit]1 :5 a knock at ! laboratory door di/urb$ u4 ,by "s intuition1 ,craig seem$ to "k :o x 04 ,he sprang to op5 ! door1 & !re /ood ,ela9e ,dodge & h] lawy]1 ,p]ry ,b5nett4 ,in/antly1 ,craig read f ! />tl$ look on ,ela9e's face t some?+ dreadful _h happ5$4 ,:y--:at's ! matt]8 he ask$1 solicit\sly4 ,a--ano!r lett]--f ! ,clut*+ ,h&6 %e exclaim$ brea?lessly4 ,mr4 ,b5nett 0 call+ on me1 :5 ?is note 0 br\ght 94 ,we bo? ?\ght we'd bett] see y at once ab\t x & he 0 k9d en\gh to drive me "h "r away 9 8 c>4 ,craig took ! lett] & we bo? read1 ) amazem5t3 ,are y an enemy ( society8 ,if n1 ord] ,craig ,k5n$y to leave ! c\ntry by n9e o'clock to-morr[ morn+4 ,o!rwise1 a p$e/rian w drop dead outside 8 laboratory e h\r until he leaves4 ,! note 0 sign$ by ! n[ famili> s9i/] h&1 & _h1 add$1 a po/script1 :i* read3 ,z a tok5 ( 8 leav+1 h him place a vase ( fl[]s on 8 laboratory w9d[ to-day4 ,:at %all we d8 qu]i$ ,b5nett1 evid5tly v mu* al>m$ at ! ?reat4 ,d8 repli$ ,k5n$y1 laugh+ contemptu\sly at ! app>5tly futile ?reat1 :y1 no?+4 ,j wait4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! day prov$ unev5tful & ,i paid no fur!r att5tion to ! w>n+ lett]4 ,x seem$ too prepo/]\s to am\nt to any?+4 ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 ) 8 *>act]i/ic =esight1 z ,i le>n$ aft]w>ds1 _h n be5 entirely unprep>$1 ?\gh he _h affect$ to treat ! ?+ ) contempt4 ,8 laboratory1 ,i may say1 0 at ! v edge ( ! ,univ]sity build+s1 ) ! campus back ( x1 b op5+ on ! o!r side on a /reet t 0 ord9>ily n ov]cr[d$4 ,we got up z usual ! next day &1 q e>ly1 w5t ov] to ! laboratory4 ,k5n$y1 z 0 8 cu/om1 plung$ /raightway into 8 "w & appe>$ absorb$ by x1 :ile ,i wrote4 ,!re ,,is some?+ que] go+ on1 ,walt]1 he rem>k$4 ,?is ?+ regi/]s "s k9d ( wireless rays--infra-r$1 ,i ?9k1--some?+ l ^? t !y say t ,italian sci5ti/1 ,ulivi1 claims he has discov]$ & call$ ! ',f-rays4' ,h[ d y "k8 ,i ask$1 look+ up f my "w4 ,:at's t in/rum5t y are us+8 ,a bolomet]1 inv5t$ by ! late ,pr(essor ,langley1 he repli$1 8 att5tion rivet$ on x4 ,"s "t previ\sly1 ,k5n$y _h _h in/all$ on ! w9d[ l$ge "o ( ^? mirror-l arrangem5ts1 kn[n z a busybody1 :i* %[ ^? 9 a room :at is go+ on on ! /reet4 ,z ,i mov$ ov] to look at ! bolomet]1 ,i happ5$ to glance into ! busybody & saw t a cr[d 0 rapidly collect+ on ! sidewalk4 ,look1 ,craig6 ,i call$ ha/ily4 ,he hurri$ ov] to me & look$4 ,we c\ld bo? see 9 ! busybody mirror a gr\p ( excit$ pass]sby b5d+ ov] a man ly+ pro/rate on ! sidewalk4 ,he _h evid5tly be5 /&+ on ! curb/one outside ! laboratory & _h sudd5ly put 8 h& to 8 =ehead4 ,!n he _h lit]ally crumpl$ up into a heap1 z he sank to ! gr\nd4 ,! excit$ cr[d lift$ him up & bore him away1 & ,i turn$ 9 surprise to ,craig4 ,he 0 look+ at 8 wat*4 ,x 0 n[ only a few mom5ts pa/ n9e o'clock6 ,n qu>t] ( an h\r lat]1 our door 0 excit$ly flung op5 & ,ela9e & ,p]ry ,b5nett arriv$4 ,i've j he>d ( ! accid5t1 %e cri$1 fe>fully4 ,isn't x t]rible4 ,:at _h we bett] d8 ,= a few mom5ts no "o said a ^w4 ,!n ,k5n$y began c>efully exam9+ ! bolomet] & "s o!r record+ in/rum5ts he _h1 :ile ! re/ ( u wat*$1 fasc9at$4 ,someh[ t busybody seem$ to attract me4 ,i c\ld n resi/ look+ into x f "t to "t z ,k5n$y work$4 ,i 0 sc>cely able to control my excitem5t :51 aga91 ,i saw ! same sc5e enact$ on ! sidewalk be=e ! laboratory4 ,hurri$ly ,i look$ at my wat*4 ,x 0 t5 o'clock6 ,craig6 ,i cri$4 ,ano!r6 ,in/antly he 0 at my side1 gaz+ eag]ly4 ,!re 0 a second innoc5t p$e/rian ly+ on ! sidewalk :ile a cr[d1 almo/ panic-/rick51 ga!r$ ab\t him4 ,we wat*$1 almo/ /unn$ by ! sudd5ness ( ! ?+1 until f9ally1 )\t a ^w1 ,k5n$y turn$ away1 8 face set 9 t5se l9es4 ,x's no use1 he mutt]$1 z we ga!r$ ab\t him4 ,we're beat54 ,i c't /& ?is sort ( ?+4 ,i w leave to-morr[ = ,s\? ,am]ica4 ,i ?\ght ,ela9e ,dodge w\ld fa9t at ! %ock ( 8 words com+ s soon aft] ! t]rible occurr5ce outside4 ,%e look$ at him1 spee*less4 ,x happ5$ t ,k5n$y _h "s artificial fl[]s on a /&1 :i* he _h be5 us+ long be=e 9 ! /udy ( syn!tic color+ mat]ials4 ,be=e ,ela9e c\ld recov] h] tongue1 he seiz$ !m & /uck !m into a tall beak]1 l a vase4 ,!n he delib]ately walk$ to ! w9d[ & plac$ ! beak] on ! l$ge 9 a mo/ prom95t position4 ,ela9e & ,b5nett1 to say no?+ ( myself1 gaz$ at him1 awe-/ruck4 ,is--is !re no o!r way b to surr5d]8 %e ask$4 ,k5n$y m\rnfully %ook 8 head4 ,i'm afraid n1 he answ]$ sl[ly4 ,!re's no tell+ h[ f> a fell[ :o has ?is m>vell\s p[] might g4 ,i ?9k ,i'd bett] leave to save y4 ,he may n cont5t himself ) innoc5t outsid]s always4 ,no?+ t any ( u c\ld say1 n ev5 ! plead+s ( ,ela9e h]self c\ld move him4 ,! ?\ght t at elev5 o'clock a ?ird innoc5t pass]by might lie /rick5 on ! /reet seem$ to move him p[]fully4 ,:51 at elev51 no?+ happ5$ z x _h at ! o!r two h\rs1 he 0 ev5 m confirm$ 9 8 purpose4 ,entreaties _h no effect1 & late 9 ! morn+1 he succe$$ 9 conv9c+ u all t 8 purpose 0 irrevocable4 ,z we /ood at ! door1 m\rnfully bidd+ our visitors f>ewell until ! morr[1 :5 he _h decid$ to sail1 ,i c\ld see t he 0 eag] to be alone4 ,he _h be5 look+ n[ & !n at ! peculi> in/rum5t :i* he _h be5 /udy+ e>li] 9 ! day & ,i c\ld see on 8 face a sort ( subtle int5tness4 ,i'm s sorry--,craig1 murmur$ ,ela9e1 *ok+ back h] emotion1 & f9d+ x impossible to g on4 ,s am ,i1 ,ela9e1 he answ]$1 t5sely4 ,b--p]haps--:5 ?is tr\ble bl[s ov]-- ,he paus$1 unable to speak1 turn$1 & %ook 8 head4 ,!n ) a =c$ gaiety he bade ,ela9e & ,p]ry ,b5nett adieu1 say+ t p]haps a trip might d him good4 ,!y _h sc>cely gone out & ,k5n$y clos$ ! door c>efully1 :5 he turn$ & w5t directly to ! in/rum5t :i* ,i _h se5 him obs]v+ s int]e/$ly4 ,pla9ly1 ,i c\ld see t x 0 regi/]+ some?+4 ,:at's ! matt]8 ,i ask$1 non-pluss$4 ,j a mom5t1 ,walt]1 he repli$ evasively1 z if n q sure ( himself4 ,he walk$ fairly close to ! w9d[ ?is "t1 keep+ well out ( ! direct l9e ( x1 h[ev]1 & !re /ood gaz+ out into ! /reet4 ,a gl9t1 z if ( ! sun %9+ on a pair ( op]a glasses c\ld be se5 f a w9d[ across ! way4 ,we are be+ wat*$1 he said sl[ly1 turn+ & look+ at me fix$ly1 b ,i don't d>e inve/igate le/ x co/ ! lives ( m un=tunates4 ,he /ood = a mom5t 9 deep ?\ght4 ,!n he pull$ out a suitcase & began sil5tly to pack x4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,al?\gh we _h n d>$ to inve/igate1 we knew t f a build+1 across ! /reet1 emiss>ies ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& 7 wat*+ = our signal ( surr5d]4 ,! fact 01 z we f\nd out lat]1 t 9 a poorly furni%$ room1 mu* aft] ! fa%ion ( t :i*1 ) ! help ( ! au?orities1 we _h once raid$ 9 ! suburbs1 !re 7 at t mom5t two crooks4 ,"o ( !m 0 ! fam\s1 or r ! infam\s1 ,pr(essor ,le,croix1 ) :om 9 a disguise z a doctor we _h already _h "s exp]i5ce :5 he /ole f ! ,hillside ,sanit>ium ! twilight sleep drugs4 ,! o!r 0 ! "y secret>y ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& :o _h giv5 ! w>n+ at ! suburban headqu>t]s at ! "t :5 !y 7 endeavor+ to transfuse ,ela9e ,dodge's blood to save ! life ( ! crook :om %e _h %ot4 ,?is 0 ! new headqu>t]s ( ! ma/] crim9al1 v c>efully gu>d$4 ,look6 cri$ ,le,croix1 v mu* elat$ at ! effect t _h be5 produc$ by 8 infra-r$ rays1 ,!re is ! sign--! vase ( fl[]s4 ,we h got him ?is "t6 ,le,croix gleefully patt$ a peculi> in/rum5t beside him4 ,app>5tly x 0 a comb9ation ( p[]ful electric arcs1 ! rays ( :i* 7 %ot ?r\gh a funnel-l arrangem5t into a conv]t] or1 r1 a sort ( conc5tration app>atus f :i* ! dread p[] c\ld be releas$ ?r\gh a tube-l affair at "o end4 ,x 0 8 infra-r$ heat wave1 ,f-ray1 eng9e4 ,i told y--x w\ld "w6 cri$ ,le,croix4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,i did n argue any fur!r ) ,craig ab\t 8 sudd5 resolution to g away4 ,b x is a v solemn proce$+ to pack up & admit defeat aft] su* a brilliant succession ( cases z _h be5 8 until we met ?is ma/] crim9al4 ,he 0 un%akeable1 h[ev]1 & ! next morn+ we clos$ ! laboratory & load$ our baggage1 :i* 0 consid]able1 on a taxicab4 ,nei!r ( u said mu*1 b ,i saw a quick look ( appreciation on ,craig's face z we pull$ up at ! :>f & saw t ! ,dodge c> 0 already !re4 ,he seem$ deeply mov$ t ,ela9e %\ld come at su* an e>ly h\r to h a la/ ^w4 ,our cab /opp$ & ,k5n$y mov$ ov] t[>d h] c>1 direct+ two port]s1 :om ,i notic$ t he *ose ) c>e1 to wait at "o side4 ,"o ( !m 0 an old ,iri%man ) a slight limp2 ! o!r a wiry ,fr5*man ) a po9t$ be>d4 ,9 spite ( h] plead+s1 h[ev]1 ,k5n$y held to 8 purpose &1 z we %ook h&s = ! la/ "t1 ,i ?\ght t ,ela9e w\ld almo/ break d[n4 ,"h1 y fell[s1 n[1 direct$ ,craig1 turn+ brusquely to ! port]s1 hu/le t baggage "r abo>d4 ,c't we g on ! %ip1 too8 ask$ ,ela9e1 appeal+ly4 ,i'm sorry--,i'm afraid !re isn't "t1 apologiz$ ,craig4 ,we f9ally tore ourselves away1 foll[$ by ! port]s c>ry+ z mu* z !y c\ld4 ,bon voyage6 cri$ ,ela9e1 bravely keep+ back a *oke 9 h] voice4 ,ne> ! gangplank1 9 ! cr[d1 ,i notic$ a c\ple ( s9i/] faces wat*+ ! %ip's (fic]s & ! pass5g]s go+ abo>d4 ,k5n$y's quick eye spott$ !m1 too1 b he did n %[ 9 any way t he notic$ any?+ z1 foll[$ by our two port]s1 we quickly climb$ ! gangplank4 ,a mom5t ,craig paus$ by ! rail & wav$ to ,ela9e & ,b5nett :o return$ ! salute feel+ly4 ,i paus$ at ! rail1 too1 speculat+ h[ we 7 to get ! re/ ( our baggage abo>d 9 "t1 = we _h tak5 sev]al m9utes say+ good-bye4 ,9 !re1 po9t$ ,k5n$y quickly to ! port]s1 indicat+ our /at]oom :i* 0 an outside room4 ,come1 ,walt]4 ,i foll[$ him 9 ) a heavy he>t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,outside c\ld be se5 ! two s9i/] faces 9 ! cr[d wat*+ int5tly1 ) eyes fix$ on ! /at]oom4 ,f9ally "o ( ! crooks bo>d$ ! %ip ha/ily1 :ile ! o!r wat*$ ! two port]s come out ( ! /at]oom & pause at ! w9d[1 speak+ back into ! room z ?\gh answ]+ comm&s4 ,!n ! port]s quickly ran along ! deck & d[n ! plank1 to get ! re/ ( ! luggage4 ,z !y approa*$ ! ,dodge c>1 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,p]ry ,b5nett 7 /ra9+ _! eyes to cat* a la/ glimpse ( u4 ,! port]s took a small b v heavy box &1 lugg+ & tugg+1 ha/5$ t[>d ! boat ) x4 ,b !y 7 too late4 ,! gang plank 0 be+ haul$ 94 ,!y %\t$1 b ! %ip's (fic]s wav$ !m back4 ,too late6 "o ( ! deckh&s %\t$1 a little pleas$ to see t someone w\ld be inconv5i5c$ = t>d9ess4 ,! port]s argu$4 ,b x 0 no use4 ,all !y c\ld d 0 to c>ry ! box back to ! ,dodge c>4 ,miss ,dodge 0 j gett+ 9 z !y return$4 ,:at %all we d ) ?is & ! o!r /uff8 ask$ ! ,iri% port]4 ,%e look$ at ! re/ ( ! tagg$ luggage & ! box :i* 0 m>k$3 ,sci5tific ,in/rum5ts ,valuable ,h&le ) c>e4 ,"h--pile !m 9 "h1 %e said indicat+ ! taxicab4 ,i'll take *>ge ( !m4 ,mean:ile "o ( our s9i/] fac$ fri5ds _h j _h "t to rega9 ! %ore aft] foll[+ u abo>d %ip & /roll+ pa/ ! w9d[ ( our /at]oom4 ,he paus$ long en\gh to obs]ve "o ( ! occupants /udy+ a map1 :ile ! o!r 0 op5+ a bag4 ,!y're gone6 he said to ! o!r z he rejo9$ him on ! dock1 giv+ a nod ( 8 head & a j]k ( 8 ?umb at ! %ip4 ,yes1 add$ ! o!r crook1 & lo/ mo/ ( _! baggage1 too4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,sl[ly ! ,dodge c> proce$$ ?r\gh ! /reets up f ! riv] front1 foll[$ by ! taxicab1 until at la/ ! ,dodge mansion1 0 rea*$4 ,!re ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e got out & ,b5nett /ood talk+ ) !m a mom5t4 ,f9ally he excus$ himself reluctantly = x 0 n[ late1 ev5 = a lawy]1 to get to 8 (fice4 ,z he hurri$ ov] to ! subway1 ,ela9e nodd$ to ! port]s 9 ! taxicab1 ,take t /uff 9 ! h\se4 ,we'll h to s5d x by ! next boat4 ,!n %e foll[$ ,aunt ,joseph9e :ile ! port]s unload$ ! boxes & bags4 ,ela9e sigh$ moodily z %e walk$ sl[ly 94 ,"h1 ,m>ie1 %e cri$ petulantly to h] maid1 take ^! wraps ( m9e4 ,m>ie v5tur$ no rem>k1 b1 l a good s]vant1 took !m4 ,a mom5t lat] ,aunt ,joseph9e left h] & ,ela9e w5t into ! libr>y & ov] to a table4 ,%e /ood !re an in/ant1 !n sank d[n into a *air1 tak+ up ,k5n$y's picture & gaz+ at x ) eyes fill$ by te>s4 ,j !n ,j5n+s came into ! room1 u%]+ ! two port]s lad5 ) ! boxes & bags4 ,:]e %all ,i h !m put ^! ?+s1 ,miss ,ela9e8 he inquir$4 ,oh--any:]e1 %e answ]$ hurri$ly1 replac+ ! picture4 ,j5n+s paus$4 ,z he did s1 "o ( ! port]s limp$ =w>d4 ,i've a message = y1 ,miss1 he said 9 a ri* ,iri% brogue1 ) a look at ,j5n+s1 to be deliv]$ 9 private4 ,ela9e glanc$ at him surpris$4 ,!n %e nodd$ to ,j5n+s :o disappe>$4 ,z he did s1 ! ,iri%man limp$ to ! door & drew toge!r ! porti]es4 ,!n he came back clos] to ,ela9e4 ,a mom5t %e look$ at him1 n q kn[+ f 8 /range actions :e!r to call = help or n4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at a motion f ,k5n$y1 z he pull$ (f 8 wig1 ,i pull$ (f ! little false be>d4 ,ela9e look$ at u1 trans=m$1 />tl$4 ,:--:at-- %e /amm]$4 ,oh--,i'm--s--glad4 ,h[-- ,k5n$y said no?+4 ,he 0 ?or\ghly enjoy+ h] face4 ,don't y und]/&8 ,i expla9$1 laugh+ m]rily4 ,i admit t ,i didn't until t la/ m9ute 9 ! /at]oom on ! boat :5 we didn't come back to wave a la/ good-bye4 ,b all ! c>e t ,craig took 9 select+ ! port]s 0 ! result ( "w he did ye/]day1 & ! insi/5ce ) :i* he *ose our travell+ clo!s _h a deep-laid purpose4 ,%e said no?+1 & ,i cont9u$4 ,! *ange 0 made quickly 9 ! /at]oom4 ,k5n$y's man ?rew on ! coat & hat he wore1 :ile ,craig donn$ ! r\gh clo!s ( ! port] & add$ a limp & a wig4 ,! same sort ( ex*ange ( clo!s 0 made by me & ,craig clapp$ a ,van ,dyck be>d on my *94 ,i--,i'm s glad1 %e repeat$4 ,i didn't ?9k y'd-- ,%e cut ! s5t5ce %ort1 rememb]+ h] eyes & ! photograph z we ent]$1 & a deep blu% crimson$ h] face4 ,mum's ! ^w1 caution$ ,k5n$y1 ,y mu/ smuggle u out ( ! h\se1 "s way4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y lo/ no "t 9 confirm+ ! suspicions ( 8 bolomet] z to ! cause ( ! dea? ( ! two innoc5t victims ( ! ma*9ations ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,bo? ( !m1 he _h le>n$1 _h be5 remov$ to a ne>by und]tak+ %op1 await+ ! v]dict ( ! coron]4 ,we s\ght out ! %op & prevail$ on ! und]tak] to let u see ! bodies4 ,z ,k5n$y pull$ d[n ! %r\d f ! face ( ! fir/ victim1 he disclos$ on 8 =ehead a r\nd d>k spot ab\t ! size ( a small co94 ,quickly1 he mov$ to ! next c(f9 &1 uncov]+ ! face1 disclos$ a simil> m>k4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$1 awe/ruck4 ,:y1 he said1 ,i've he>d ( a c]ta9 ,vi5nese1 "o ,le,croix ,i believe1 :o has discov]$ or p]fect$ an infra-r$ ray in/rum5t :i* %oots its p[] a great di/ance ) extreme accuracy & leaves a m>k l ^!4 ,is he 9 ,new ,york8 ,i inquir$ anxi\sly4 ,yes1 ,i believe he is4 ,k5n$y seem$ indispos$ to answ] m until he knew m1 & ,i saw t he w\ld pref] n be+ que/ion$ = ! pres5t4 ,we ?ank$ ! und]tak] = 8 c\rtesy & w5t out4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile ,ela9e _h call$ up ,p]ry ,b5nett4 ,mr4 ,b5nett1 %e exclaim$ ov] ! wire1 j guess :o call$ on me8 ,:o8 he answ]$1 ,i give x up4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y & ,mr4 ,jameson1 %e call$ back4 ,is t s8 he return$4 ,isn't t f9e8 ,i didn't ?9k he 0 ! k9d to run away l t4 ,h[ did x happ58 ,ela9e quickly told ! /ory z ,i _h told h]4 ,_h %e kn[n x1 h[ev]1 ,b5nett's valet1 ,?omas1 0 at t v mom5t li/5+ at ! door1 int5sely int]e/$4 ,z ,b5nett hung up ! receiv]1 ,?omas ent]$ ! room4 ,if anyone calls me1 ord]$ ,b5nett1 take ! message1 p>ticul>ly if x is f ,miss ,dodge4 ,i mu/ get d[nt[n--& tell h] aft] ,i f9i% my c\rt "w = ! day ,i %all be "r up4 ,yes sir1 nodd$ ! valet ) a cov]t glance at 8 ma/]4 ,!n1 z ,b5nett left1 he foll[$ him to ! door1 paus$1 ?\ght a mom5t1 !n1 z ?\gh com+ to a sudd5 decision1 w5t out by an opposite door4 ,x 0 n long aft]w>d t a knock s\nd$ at ! door ( ! new headqu>t]s ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,le,croix & ! secret>y 7 !re1 z well z a c\ple ( o!rs4 ,! ,*ief6 exclaim$ "o4 ,! secret>y op5$ ! door1 &1 sure en\gh1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& ent]$4 ,well1 h[ did y\r infra-r$ rays "w8 he ask$ ,le,croix4 ,f9e4 ,& !y're gone8 ,yes4 ,! fl[]s 7 9 ! w9d[ ye/]day4 ,two ( our m5 saw !m on ! boat4 ,!re came ano!r knock4 ,?is "t1 z ! door op5$1 x 0 ,?omas1 ,b5nett's fai?less valet1 :o ent]$4 ,say1 blurt$ out ! in=m]1 d y "k ,k5n$y & ,jameson are back8 ,back8 cri$ ! crooks4 ,yes1--!y didn't g4 ,*ang$ clo!s ) ! port]s4 ,i j he>d ,miss ,dodge tell+ ,mr4 ,b5nett4 ,clut*+ ,h& ey$ him ke5ly1 !n seem$ to bur/ into an ungov]nable fury4 ,quickly he began volley+ ord]s at ! valet & ! o!rs4 ,!n1 ) ! secret>y & two ( ! o!r crooks he left by ano!r door f t by :i* he _h s5t ! valet =?4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,leav+ ! und]tak]'s1 ,k5n$y & ,i made our way1 keep+ (f ?or\ghf>es1 to police headqu>t]s1 :]e1 aft] mak+ ourselves kn[n1 ,craig made arrangem5ts = a raid on ! h\se across ! /reet f ! laboratory :]e we _h se5 ! op]a glass reflection4 ,!n1 z secretly z we _h come1 we w5t out aga91 lett+ ourselves into ! laboratory1 /eal?ily look+ up & d[n ! /reet4 ,we ent]$ by a basem5t door1 :i* ,k5n$y c>efully lock$ aga94 ,no soon] _h we disappe>$ ?an "o ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&'s spies :o _h be5 wat*+ beh9d a b>rel ( rubbi% gave ! signal ( ! h& d[n ! /reet to a conf$]ate &1 go+ to ! door1 ent]$ by means ( a skeleton key4 ,we ent]$ our laboratory :i* ,k5n$y _h clos$ ! day be=e4 ,) %ades drawn1 x n[ look$ des]t$ en\gh4 ,i dropp$ into a *air & light$ a cig>ette ) a sigh ( relief1 = really ,i _h ?\ght1 until ! boat sail$1 t ,k5n$y actually contemplat$ go+ away4 ,k5n$y w5t ov] to a cab9et &1 f x1 took out a notebook & a small box4 ,op5+ ! notebook on ! laboratory table1 he rapidly turn$ ! pages4 ,"h1 ,walt]1 he rem>k$4 ,?is w answ] y\r que/ions ab\t ! my/]i\s deadly ray4 ,i mov$ ov] to ! table1 eag] to satisfy my curiosity & read ! notes :i* he indicat$ ) 8 f+]4 ,,infra-,,r$ ,,ray ,,notes ,! infra-r$ ray :i* has be5 develop$ by ,le,croix f ! exp]im5ts ( ! ,italian sci5ti/ ,ulivi causes1 :5 conc5trat$ by an app>atus p]fect$ by ,le,croix1 an in/antane\s combu/ion ( nonreflect+ surfaces4 ,x is p>ticul>ly deadly 9 its effect on ! bra9 c5t]s4 ,x c be div]t$1 x is said h[ev]1 by a %ield compos$ ( plat9um back$ by asbe/os4 ,next ,k5n$y op5$ ! case :i* he _h tak5 out ( ! cab9et & f x he took out ! plat9um-asbe/os mirror1 :i* 0 some?+ ( 8 own inv5tion4 ,he held x up & 9 pantomime %[$ me j h[ x w\ld cut (f ! deadly rays4 ,he _h n f9i%$ ev5 t1 :5 a peculi> noise 9 ! laboratory itself di/urb$ him & he ha/ily ?ru/ ! asbe/os plat9um %ield into 8 pocket4 ,?\gh we _h n realiz$ x1 our return _h be5 anticipat$4 ,sudd5ly1 f a closet project$ a magaz9e gun & be=e we c\ld move1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& himself sl[ly appe>$1 beh9d u4 ,ah6 he exclaim$ ) mock polit5ess1 s1 y ?\ght y'd fool me1 did y8 ,well6 ,j !n1 two o!r crooks1 :o _h let !mselves 9 by ! skeleton key ?r\gh ! basem5t jump$ into ! room ?r\gh t door cov]+ u4 ,we />t$ to our feet1 b 9 an in/ant f\nd ourselves bo? sprawl+ on ! floor4 ,9 ! cab9et1 b5ea? ! laboratory table1 ano!r crook _h be5 hidd5 & he tackl$ u ) all ! skill ( an old football play] aga9/ :om we _h no def5ce4 ,f\r ( !m 7 ^u u in/antly4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at ! same "t1 ,?omas1 ! fai?less valet ( ,b5nett1 _h be5 dispat*$ by ! ,clut*+ ,h& to comm&e] 8 ma/]'s road/] 9 8 abs5ce1 &1 c>ry+ out ! in/ructions1 he _h driv5 up be=e ,ela9e's h\se at ! v mom5t :5 %e 0 go+ out = a walk4 ,?omas jump$ out ( ! c> & t\*$ 8 hat def]5tially4 ,a message f ,mr4 ,b5nett1 ma'am1 he expla9$4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y & ,mr4 ,b5nett h s5t me to ask y to come ov] to ! laboratory4 ,unsuspect+1 ,ela9e /epp$ into ! c> & drove (f4 ,in/ead1 h[ev]1 ( turn+ & pull+ up on ! laboratory side ( ! /reet1 ,?omas /opp$ opposite x4 ,he got out & ,ela9e1 ?9k+ t p]haps x 0 to save "t t he _h n turn$ ! c> ar\nd1 foll[$4 ,b :5 ! valet1 in/ead ( cross+ ! /reet1 w5t up to a door ( a h\se & rang ! bell1 %e began to suspect t all 0 n z x %\ld be4 ,:at are y go+ "h =1 ,?omas8 %e ask$4 ,!re's ! laboratory--ov] !re4 ,b1 ,miss ,dodge1 he apologiz$1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y & ,mr4 ,b5nett are "h4 ,!y told me !y'd be "h4 ,! door 0 op5$ quickly by a look\t ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& & ! valet ask$ if ,craig & ,ela9e's lawy] 7 94 ,( c\rse ! look\t repli$ t !y 7 &1 be=e ,ela9e knew x1 %e 0 jo/l$ into ! d>k hallway & ! door 0 bang$ %ut4 ,resi/ance 0 useless n[ & %e 0 hurri$ along until ano!r door 0 op5$4 ,!re %e saw ,le,croix & ! o!r crooks4 ,&1 z ! door slamm$1 %e caught sight ( ! fe>some ,clut*+ ,h& himself4 ,%e drew back1 b 0 too fright5$ ev5 to scream4 ,) a h>%1 cruel laugh1 ! sup]-crim9al beckon$ to h] to foll[ him & look d[n ?r\gh a small trap door4 ,unable n[ to resi/1 %e look$4 ,!re %e saw u4 ,to t ext5t ! valet _h told ! tru?4 ,k5n$y 0 /&+ 9 deep ?\ght1 :ile ,i sat on an old box1 smok+ a cig>ette--v mis]able4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,0 ?is to be ! sole outcome ( ,k5n$y's clev] ruse1 ,i 0 wond]+4 ,7 we only to be %ipwreck$ 9 sight ( port8 ,wat*+ 8 *ance1 :5 ! /reet 0 des]t$1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& & 8 foll[]s _h hu/l$ u ov] to ! new hang\t across f ! laboratory4 ,!re !y _h met m crooks & _h ?ru/ u into ?is vile hole4 ,z ! v>i\s ineffectual s*emes = escape surg$ ?r\gh my head1 ,i happ5$ to look up & caught a glance ( horror on ,craig's face4 ,i foll[$ 8 eyes4 ,!re1 above u1 0 ,ela9e6 ,i saw h] look f u to ! ,clut*+ ,h& 9 t]ror4 ,b none ( u utt]$ a ^w4 ,i w n[ %[ y1 my de> "y lady1 almo/ hiss$ ! ,clut*+ ,h& at l5g?1 z pretty a game ( hide & seek z y h ev] se54 ,z he said x1 ano!r trap door ne> ! infra-r$ ray ma*9e 0 op5$ & a beam ( light bur/ ?r\gh4 ,i knew x 0 n t :i* we _h to fe>1 b ! invisible rays t accompani$ x1 ! rays t _h affect$ ! bolomet]4 ,j !n a spot ( light %[$ ne> my foot1 mov+ ab\t ! cem5t floor until x fell on my %oe4 ,in/antly1 ! lea!r *>r$1 ev5 be=e ,i c\ld move4 ,k5n$y & ,i leap$ to our feet & drew back4 ,! beam foll[$ u4 ,we retreat$ fur!r4 ,/ill x foll[$1 inexorably4 ,clut*+ ,h& 0 n[ hold+ ,ela9e ne> ! door :]e %e c\ld n help see+1 laugh+ diabolically :ile he direct$ ,le,croix & ! re/ to "w ! infra-r$ ray app>atus ?r\gh ! trap4 ,z we dodg$ f corn] to corn]1 endeavor+ to keep ! r$ ray f t\*+ u1 ! crooks seem$ 9 no hurry1 b r to enjoy prolong+ ! torture z does a cat ) a m\se4 ,please--oh1 please--/op6 begg$ ,ela9e4 ,clut*+ ,h& only laugh$ ) fi5di% delight & urg$ 8 m5 on4 ,! ?+ 0 gett+ clos] & clos]4 ,sudd5ly we he>d a /range voice r+ out above u4 ,police6 ,:]e8 gr[l$ ! ,clut*+ ,h& 9 fury4 ,outside--a raid6 ,run6 ,he's told !m6 ,already we c\ld he> ! hamm]s & axes ( ! police :om ,k5n$y _h call$ ^u be=e1 z !y batt]$ at ! outside door4 ,at t door a mom5t be=e1 ! look\t sudd5ly _h giv5 a />tl$ />e & a suppress$ cry4 ,glanc+ d[n ! /reet he _h se5 a police patrol 9 :i* 7 a score or m ( ! /rong>m squad4 ,!y _h jump$ out1 "s c>ry+ sl$gehamm]s1 o!rs axes4 ,almo/ be=e he c\ld cry out & retreat to give a w>n+1 !y _h rea*$ ! door & ! fir/ res\nd+ bl[s _h be5 /ruck4 ,! look\t quickly _h fl$ & drawn ! bolts ( a /rong inn] door1 & ! police began batt]+ t imp$im5t4 ,in/antly1 ,clut*+ ,h& turn$ to ,le,croix at ! ,f-ray ma*9e4 ,f9i% !m6 he %\t$4 ,we 7 n[ back$ up aga9/ a small ell 9 ! wall ( ! cell>4 ,x 0 b>ely l>ge en\gh to hold u1 b by cr[d+ we 7 able to keep out ( ! rea* ( ! ray4 ,! ray %ot pa/ ! ell & /ruck a wall a c\ple ( in*es f u4 ,i look$4 ,! cem5t began to crumble "u ! int5se heat4 ,mean:ile1 ! police 7 hav+ great difficulty ) ! /eelbolt-/udd$ door into ! room4 ,/ill1 x 0 yield+ a bit4 ,hurry6 %\t$ ,clut*+ ,h& to ,le,croix4 ,k5n$y _h volunt>ily plac$ himself 9 front ( me 9 ! ell4 ,c>efully1 to avoid ! ray1 he took ! asbe/os-plat9um %ield f 8 pocket & slid x =w>d z be/ he c\ld ov] ! wall to ! spot :]e ! ray /ruck4 ,x deflect$ ! ray4 ,b s p[]ful 0 x t ev5 t "p ( ! ray :i* 0 deflect$ c\ld be se5 to /rike ! ceil+ 9 ! corn] :i* 0 ( wood4 ,in/antly1 be=e ,k5n$y c\ld ev5 move ! %ield1 ! wood bur/ into flames4 ,above u n[ smoke 0 p\r+ into ! room :]e ! deflect$ ray /ruck ! floor & flames broke out4 ,conf\nd him6 gr\nd out ,clut*+ ,h&1 z !y saw x4 ,! o!r crooks back$ away & /ood1 hesitat+1 n kn[+ q :at to d4 ,! police _h by ?is "t f9i%$ batt]+ 9 ! door & _h ru%$ into ! out] passage4 ,:ile ! flames leap$ up1 ! crooks clos$ ! la/ door into ! room4 ,run6 %\t$ ,clut*+ ,h&1 z !y op5$ a secret gate disclos+ a spiral flight ( iron /eps4 ,a mom5t lat] all _h disappe>$ except ,clut*+ ,h& himself4 ,! la/ door w\ld hold only a few seconds1 b ,clut*+ ,h& 0 wait+ to take advantage ( ev5 t4 ,) a la/ frantic ef=t he s\ght to direct ! t]rific ray at u4 ,ela9e act$ in/antly4 ,) all h] /r5g? %e ru%$ =w>d1 ov]turn+ ! ma*9e4 ,clut*+ ,h& utt]$ a gr[l & sl[ly rais$ 8 gun1 tak+ aim ) ! butt = a well-direct$ bl[ at h] head4 ,j !n ! door yield$ & a policeman /uck 8 head & %\ld]s ?r\gh4 ,8 revolv] rang out & ,clut*+ ,h&'s automatic flew out ( 8 grasp1 giv+ him j en\gh "t to dodge ?r\gh & slam ! secret door 9 ! faces ( ! squad z !y ru%$ 94 ,back ( ! h\se1 ,clut*+ ,h& & ! o!r crooks 7 n[ pass+ ?r\gh a brick$ passage4 ,! fire _h got s f> beyond control by ?is "t t x drove ! police back f _! ef=ts to op5 ! secret door4 ,?us ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h made good 8 escape ?r\gh ! passage :i* l$ out1 z we lat] discov]$1 to ! railroad tracks along ! riv]4 ,d[n !re--,mr4 ,k5n$y--& ,mr4 ,jameson1 cri$ ,ela9e1 po9t+ at ! trap :i* 0 hidd5 9 ! /ifle4 ,! fire _h ga9$ t]rific headway1 b ! police seiz$ a ladd] & /uck x d[n into ! basem5t4 ,*ok+ & sputt]+1 half suffocat$1 we /agg]$ up4 ,are y hurt8 ask$ ,ela9e anxi\sly1 tak+ ,craig's arm4 ,n a bit--?anks to y6 he repli$1 =gett+ all 9 meet+ ! eag] que/ion+ ( h] wond]ful eyes4 ,,*apt] ,x ,,! ,,life ,,curr5t ,assignm5ts 7 be+ giv5 out on ! ,/> "o aft]noon1 & ,i 0 /&+ talk+ ) sev]al o!r report] 9 ! busy hum ( typewrit]s & click+ telegraphs4 ,:at d y ?9k ( t8 ask$ "o ( ! fell[s4 ,y're some?+ ( a sci5tific detective1 ar5't y8 ,)\t lay+ claim to su* a di/9ction1 ,i took ! pap] & read3 ,,! ,,poison$ ,,kiss ,,aga9 ,?ree ,m ,new ,york ,wom5 ,report ,be+ ,kiss$ by ,my/]i\s ,/rang]--,lat] ,fell into ,deep ,unconsci\sness4 ,:at ,is ,x8 ,i _h sc>cely f9i%$1 :5 "o ( ! copy boys1 da%+ pa/ me1 call$1 ,y're want$ on ! wire1 ,mr4 ,jameson4 ,i hurri$ ov] to ! telephone & answ]$4 ,a musical voice respond$ to my hurri$ hello1 & ,i ha/5$ to adopt my mo/ polite tone4 ,is ?is ,mr4 ,jameson8 ask$ ! voice4 ,yes1 ,i repli$1 n recogniz+ x4 ,well1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 ,i've he>d ( y on ! ,/> & ,i've j _h a v /range exp]i5ce4 ,i've _h ! poison$ kiss4 ,! woman did n pause to cat* my exclamation ( a/oni%m5t1 b w5t on1 ,x 0 l ?is4 ,a man ran up to me on ! /reet & kiss$ me--&--,i don't "k h[ x 0--b ,i became unconsci\s--& ,i didn't come to = an h\r--9 a hospital--=tunately4 ,i don't "k :at w\ld h happ5$ if x hadn't be5 t someone came to my assi/ance & ! man fl$4 ,i ?\ght ! ,/> w\ld be int]e/$4 ,we are1 ,i ha/5$ to reply4 ,w y give me y\r "n8 ,:y1 ,i am ,mrs4 ,flor5ce ,leigh ( numb] #bj ,prospect ,av5ue1 return$ ! voice4 ,really1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 some?+ ought to be done ab\t ^! cases4 ,x surely _h1 ,i ass5t$1 ) mu* int]e/1 writ+ h] "n eag]ly d[n on a c>d4 ,i'll be out to int]view y1 directly4 ,! woman ?ank$ me & ,i hung up ! receiv]4 ,say1 ,i exclaim$1 hurry+ ov] to ! editor's desk1 "h's ano!r woman on ! wire :o says %e has receiv$ ! poison$ kiss4 ,suppose y take t assignm5t1 ! editor answ]$1 s5s+ a possible /ory4 ,i took x ) alacrity1 figur+ out ! quicke/ way by elevat$ & surface c> to rea* ! address4 ,! conductor ( ! trolley indicat$ ,prospect ,av5ue & ,i hurri$ up ! /reet until ,i came to ! h\se1 a neat1 unpret5ti\s place4 ,look+ at ! address on ! c>d fir/ to make sure1 ,i rang ! bell4 ,i mu/ say t ,i c\ld sc>cely criticize ! poison$ kiss]'s ta/e1 = ! woman :o _h op5$ ! door c]ta9ly 0 extraord9>ily attractive4 ,& y really 7--put out by a kiss8 ,i qu]i$1 z %e l$ me into a neat sitt+ room4 ,absolutely--z mu* z if x _h be5 by "o ( ^! poison$ ne$les y read ab\t1 %e repli$ confid5tly1 ha/5+ on to describe ! affair volubly4 ,x 0 beyond me4 ,may ,i use y\r telephone8 ,i ask$4 ,surely1 %e answ]$4 ,i call$ ! laboratory4 ,is t y1 ,craig8 ,i inquir$4 ,yes1 ,walt]1 he answ]$1 recogniz+ my voice4 ,say1 ,craig1 ,i ask$ brea?lessly1 :at sort ( kiss w\ld suffocate a p]son4 ,my only answ] 0 an upro>i\s laugh f him at ! idea4 ,i "k1 ,i p]si/$1 b ,i've got ! assignm5t f ! ,/>--& ,i'm out "h int]view+ a woman ab\t x4 ,x's all "r to laugh--b "h ,i am4 ,i've f\nd a case--names1 dates & places4 ,i wi% y'd expla9 ! ?+1 !n4 ,oh1 all "r1 ,walt]1 he repli$ indulg5tly4 ,i'll meet y z soon z ,i c & help y out4 ,i hung up ! receiv] ) an air ( satisfaction4 ,at lea/ n[ ,i w\ld get an explanation ( ! woman's que] /ory4 ,i'll cle> ?is ?+ up1 ,i said confid5tly4 ,my fri5d1 ,craig ,k5n$y1 ! sci5tific detective is com+ out "h4 ,good6 ,t fell[ :o attack$ me ought to be %[n up4 ,all wom5 may n be z =tunate z ,i4 ,we wait$ pati5tly4 ,h] /ory c]ta9ly 0 rem>kable4 ,%e rememb]$ e detail up to a c]ta9 po9t--& !n1 z %e said1 all 0 blankness4 ,! bell rang & ! woman ha/5$ to ! door admitt+ ,k5n$y4 ,hello1 ,walt]1 he greet$4 ,?is is c]ta9ly a mo/ rem>kable case1 ,craig1 ,i said1 introduc+ him1 & tell+ briefly :at ,i _h le>n$4 ,& y actually mean to say t a kiss _h ! effect-- ,j !n ! telephone int]rupt$4 ,yes1 %e reass]t$ quickly4 ,excuse me a second4 ,%e answ]$ ! call4 ,oh--:y--yes1 he's "h4 ,d y want to speak to him8 ,mr4 ,jameson1 x's ! ,/>4 ,conf\nd x6 ,i exclaim$1 isn't t l ! old man--dragg+ me (f ?is /ory be=e x's half f9i%$ 9 ord] to get ano!r4 ,i'll h to g4 ,i'll get ?is /ory f y1 ,craig4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! day be=e1 9 ! suburban h\se1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h be5 talk+ to two ( 8 emiss>ies1 an attractive "y woman & a man4 ,!y 7 ,flirty ,florrie & ,dan ! ,dude4 ,n[1 ,i want y to get ,k5n$y1 he said4 ,! way to d x is to sep>ate ,k5n$y & ,ela9e--see8 ,all "r1 ,*ief1 we'll d x1 !y repli$4 ,i've rigg$ x s t y'll rea* him ?r\gh ,jameson1 und]/&8 ,!y nodd$ eag]ly z he told !m ! subtle plan4 ,clut*+ ,h& _h sc>cely left :5 ,flirty ,florrie began by gett+ publi%$ 9 ! pap]s ! /ory :i* ,i _h se54 ,! next day %e call$ me up f ! suburban h\se4 ,hav+ got me to promise to see h]1 %e _h sc>cely turn$ f ! telephone :5 ,dan ! ,dude walk$ 9 f ! next room4 ,he's com+1 %e said4 ,dan 0 c>ry+ a huge /ag head ) a beautifully bran*$ pair ( antl]s4 ,"u 8 arm 0 a coil ( wire :i* he _h connect$ to ! inside ( ! head4 ,f9e6 he exclaim$4 ,!n1 po9t+ to ! head1 he add$1 ,x's all ready4 ,see h[ ,i fix$ x8 ,t ought to please ! ,*ief4 ,dan mov$ quickly to ! mantle & m\nt$ a /epladd] !re by :i* he _h tak5 d[n ! head1 & />t$ to replace ! head above ! mantle4 ,he hook$ ! head on a nail4 ,!re1 he said1 unscrew+ "o ( ! beautiful br[n glass eyes ( ! /ag4 ,back ( x c\ld be se5 a cam]a %utt]4 ,dan work$ ! %utt] sev]al times to see :e!r x 0 all "r4 ,"o ( ^? new quick %utt] cam]as1 he expla9$4 ,!n he ran a c\ple ( wires along ! m\ld+1 ar\nd ! room & into a closet1 :]e he made ! connection ) a sort ( swit*bo>d on :i* a button 0 m>k$1 ,,%utt] & ! swit*1 ,,w9d ,,film4 ,n[1 ,flirty1 he said1 com+ out ( ! closet & pull+ up ! %ade :i* let a flood ( sunlight into ! room1 y see1 ,i want y to /& "h--!n1 d y\r little trick4 ,get me8 ,i get y ,/eve1 %e laugh$4 ,j !n ! bell rang4 ,t mu/ be ,jameson1 %e cri$4 ,n[--get to y\r corn]4 ,) a la/ look ,dan w5t into ! closet & %ut ! door4 ,p]haps half an h\r lat]1 ,clut*+ ,h& himself call$ me up on ! telephone4 ,x 0 he--n ! ,/>--z ,i le>n$ only too late4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,i _h sc>cely got out ( ! h\se1 z ,craig told me aft]w>ds1 :5 ,flirty ,florrie told all ov] aga9 ! embroid]$ tale t _h caught my e>4 ,k5n$y said no?+1 b li/5$ int5tly1 p]haps betray+ 9 8 face ! scepticism he felt4 ,y see1 %e said1 /ill voluble & eag] to conv9ce him1 ,i 0 only walk+ on ! /reet4 ,"h1--let me %[ y4 ,x 0 j l ?is4 ,%e took 8 arm & be=e he knew x1 l$ him to ! spot on ! floor ne> ! w9d[ :i* ,dan _h indicat$4 ,mean:ile ,dan 0 li/5+ att5tively 9 8 closet4 ,n[--/& !re4 ,y are j z ,i 0--only ,i didn't expect any?+4 ,%e 0 pantomim+ someone approa*+ /eal?ily :ile ,k5n$y wat*$ h] ) int]e/1 t+$ ) d\bt4 ,beh9d ,craig1 9 8 closet1 ,dan 0 rea*+ = ! swit*bo>d button4 ,y see1 %e said advanc+ quickly & act+ h] words1 he plac$ 8 h&s on my %\ld]s--s--!n ?rew 8 arms ab\t my neck--s4 ,%e said no m1 b impr9t$ a deep1 passionate kiss on ,k5n$y's m\?1 cl++ closely to him4 ,be=e ,k5n$y c\ld draw away1 ,dan1 9 ! closet1 _h press$ ! button & ! swit* sev]al times 9 rapid succession4 ,?-t's v reali/ic1 gasp$ ,craig1 a good deal tak5 aback by ! sudd5 osculatory assault4 ,he fr[n$4 ,i--,i'll look into ! case1 he said1 back+ away4 ,!re may be "s sci5tific explanation--b--er-- ,he 0 pla9ly emb>rass$ & ha/5$ to make 8 adieux4 ,k5n$y _h no m ?an %ut ! door be=e ,dan1 ) a gleeful laugh1 bur/ out ( ! closet & flung 8 own arms ab\t ,florrie 9 an embrace t might h be5 poison$1 x is true1 b 0 none ! less real = t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,h[ little impression ! ?+ made on ,k5n$y c be easily se5 f ! fact t on ! way d[nt[n t aft]noon he /opp$ at ,m>t9's1 on ,fif? ,av5ue1 & b\ght a r+--a v h&some solitaire1 ! f9e/ ,m>t9 _h 9 ! %op4 ,x mu/ h be5 ab\t ! "t t he decid$ to /op at ,m>t9's t ! ,dodge butl]1 ,j5n+s1 admitt$ a "y lady :o pres5t$ a c>d on :i* 0 engrav$ ! "n ,miss ,,flor5ce ,,leigh #bj ,prospect ,av5ue4 ,z he h&$ ,ela9e ! c>d1 %e look$ up f ! book %e 0 read+ & took x4 ,i don't "k h]1 %e said puck]+ h] pretty br[4 ,d y8 ,:at does %e look l8 ,i nev] saw h] be=e1 ,miss ,ela9e1 ,j5n+s %rugg$4 ,b %e is v well dress$4 ,all "r1 %[ h] 91 ,j5n+s4 ,i'll see h]4 ,ela9e mov$ into ! draw+ room1 ,j5n+s spr++ =w>d to "p ! porti]es = h] & pass+ ?r\gh ! room quickly :]e ,flirty ,florrie sat wait+4 ,flirty ,florrie rose & /ood gaz+ at ,ela9e1 app>5tly v mu* emb>rass$1 ev5 aft] ,j5n+s _h gone4 ,!re 0 a %ort pause4 ,! woman 0 ! fir/ to speak4 ,x ,,is emb>rass+1 %e said f9ally1 b1 ,miss ,dodge1 ,i h come to y to beg = my love4 ,ela9e look$ at h] non-pluss$4 ,yes1 %e cont9u$1 y d n "k x1 b ,craig ,k5n$y is infatuat$ ) y4 ,%e paus$ aga91 !n add$1 ,b he is engag$ to me4 ,ela9e />$ at ! woman4 ,%e 0 daz$4 ,%e c\ld n believe x4 ,!re is ! r+1 ,flirty ,florrie add$ indicat+ a v impressive pa/e diamond4 ,ela9e fr[n$ b said no?+4 ,h] head 0 9 a :irl4 ,%e c\ld n believe4 ,al?\gh ,florrie 0 v mu* emb>rass$1 %e 0 q z evid5tly v mu* wr\ght up4 ,quickly %e rea*$ into h] bag & drew out two photographs1 )\t a ^w1 h&+ !m to ,ela9e4 ,ela9e took !m reluctantly4 ,!re's ! pro(1 ,florrie said simply1 *ok+ a sob4 ,ela9e look$ ) a />t4 ,sure en\gh1 !re 0 ! neat liv+ room 9 ! h\se on ,prospect ,av5ue4 ,9 "o picture ,florrie _h h] arms ov] ,k5n$y's %\ld]s4 ,9 ! o!r1 app>5tly1 !y 7 passionately kiss+4 ,ela9e sl[ly laid ! photographs on ! table4 ,please--please1 ,miss ,dodge--give me back my lo/ love4 ,y are ri* & beautiful--,i am poor4 ,i h only my good looks4 ,b--,i--,i love him--& he--loves me--& has promis$ to m>ry me4 ,fill$ ) wond]1 & misgiv+s n[1 & q z mu* emb>rass$ at ! woman's plead+s z ! woman h]self _h act$ a mom5t be=e1 ,ela9e tri$ to wave h] (f4 ,really--,i--,i don't "k any?+ ab\t all ?is4 ,x--x doesn't conc]n me4 ,please--g4 ,florrie _h brok5 d[n completely & 0 weep+ s(tly into a lace h&k]*ief4 ,%e mov$ t[>d ! door4 ,ela9e foll[$ h]4 ,j5n+s--please see ! lady to ! door4 ,back 9 ! draw+ room1 ,ela9e almo/ seiz$ ! photographs & hurri$ into ! libr>y :]e %e c\ld be alone4 ,!re %e /ood gaz+ at !m--d\bt1 wond]1 & fe> battl+ on h] pla/ic features4 ,j !n %e he>d ! bell & ,j5n+s 9 ! hall4 ,%e %ov$ ! photographs away f h] on ! table4 ,x 0 ,k5n$y himself1 close ^u ! ann\ncem5t ( ! butl]4 ,he 0 9 a p>ticul>ly joy\s & happy mood1 = he _h /opp$ at ,m>t9's4 ,h[ are y ?is aft]noon8 he greet$ ,ela9e gaily4 ,ela9e _h be5 too ov]come by :at _h j happ5$ to ?r[ x (f s easily1 & receiv$ him ) a quickly /udi$ coolness4 ,/ill1 ,craig1 man-l1 did n notice x at once4 ,9 fact he 0 too busy gaz+ ab\t to see t nei!r ,j5n+s1 ,m>ie1 nor ! du5na ,aunt ,joseph9e 7 visible4 ,!y 7 n & he quickly took ! r+ f 8 pocket4 ,)\t wait+1 he %[$ x to ,ela9e4 ,9 fact1 s sure _h he be5 t ev]y?+ 0 pla9 sail+1 t he seem$ to take x almo/ = grant$4 ,"u o!r circum/ances1 he w\ld h be5 "r4 ,b n tonight4 ,ela9e v coolly admir$ ! r+1 z ,craig might h ey$ a specim5 on a microscope slide4 ,/ill1 he did n notice4 ,he took ! r+1 ab\t to put x on h] f+]4 ,ela9e drew away4 ,concealm5t 0 n 9 h] frank nature4 ,%e pick$ up ! two photographs4 ,:at h y to say ab\t ^?8 %e ask$ cutt+ly4 ,k5n$y1 q surpris$1 took !m & look$ at !m4 ,!n he let !m fall c>elessly on ! table & dropp$ into a *air1 8 head back 9 a bur/ ( laught]4 ,:y--t 0 :at !y put ov] on ,walt]1 he said4 ,he call$ me up e>ly ?is aft]noon--told me he _h discov]$ "o ( ^! poison$ kiss cases y h read ab\t 9 ! pap]s4 ,?9k ( x--all t to pull a conceal$ cam]a6 ,su* an elaborate bus9ess--j to get me :]e !y c\ld fake ?is ?+4 ,i suppose !y've put "s "o up to say+ %e's engag$8 ,ela9e 0 n s lightly affect$4 ,b1 %e said sev]ely1 repress+ h] emotion1 ,i don't und]/&1 ,,mr4 ,k5n$y1 h[ sci5tific inquiry into '! poison$ kiss' c\ld necessitate ?is sort ( ?+4 ,%e po9t$ at ! photographs accus+ly4 ,b1 he began1 try+ to expla94 ,no buts1 %e int]rupt$4 ,!n y believe t ,i-- ,h[ c y1 z a sci5ti/1 ask me to d\bt ! cam]a1 %e ins9uat$1 v coldly turn+ away4 ,k5n$y rapidly began to see t x 0 f> m s]i\s ?an he _h at fir/ ?\ght4 ,v well1 he said ) a t\* ( impati5ce1 if my ^w is n to be tak5--,i--,i'll-- ,he _h seiz$ 8 hat & /ick4 ,ela9e did n deign to answ]4 ,!n1 )\t a ^w he /alk$ out ( ! door4 ,z he did s1 ,ela9e ha/ily turn$ & took a few /eps aft] him1 z if to recall h] words1 !n /opp$1 & h] pride got ! bett] ( h]4 ,%e walk$ sl[ly back to ! *air by ! table--! *air he _h be5 sitt+ 9--sank d[n into x & cri$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y 0 mop+ 9 ! laboratory ! next day :5 ,i came 94 ,j :at ! tr\ble 01 ,i did n "k1 b ,i _h decid$ t x 0 up to me to try to *e] him up4 ,say1 ,craig1 ,i began1 try+ to ov]come 8 fit ( blues4 ,k5n$y1 fill$ ) 8 own ?\ghts1 paid no att5tion to me4 ,/ill1 ,i kept on4 ,f9ally he got up &1 be=e ,i knew x1 he took me by ! e> & m>*$ me into ! next room4 ,i saw t :at he ne$$ *iefly 0 to be let alone1 & he w5t back to 8 *air1 dropp+ d[n into x & bang+ 8 fi/s on ! table4 ,"u 8 brea? he loos$ a small volley ( bitt] expletives4 ,!n he jump$ up4 ,by ,george--,i ,,w1 he mutt]$4 ,i pok$ my head out ( ! door 9 "t to see him grab up 8 hat & coat & da% f ! room1 putt+ 8 coat on z he w5t4 ,he's a nut today1 ,i exclaim$ to myself4 ,?\gh ,i did n "k1 yet1 ( ! qu>rel1 ,k5n$y _h really /ruggl$ ) himself until he 0 will+ to put 8 pride 9 8 pocket & _h made up 8 m9d to call on ,ela9e aga94 ,z he ent]$1 he saw t x 0 really ( no use1 = only ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 9 ! libr>y4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 %e said innoc5tly en\gh1 ,i'm s sorry %e isn't "h4 ,!re's be5 some?+ tr\bl+ h] & %e won't tell me :at x is4 ,b %e's gone to call on a "y woman1 a ,flor5ce ,leigh1 ,i ?9k4 ,flor5ce ,leigh6 exclaim$ ,craig ) a />t & a fr[n4 ,let me use y\r telephone4 ,i _h turn$ my att5tion 9 ! laboratory to a /ory ,i 0 writ+1 :5 ,i he>d ! telephone r+4 ,x 0 ,craig4 ,)\t a ^w ( apology = 8 rud5ess1 :i* ,i knew _h be5 purely abs5t-m9d$1 ,i he>d him say+1 ,walt]--meet me 9 half an h\r outside t ,flor5ce ,leigh's h\se4 ,he 0 gone 9 a m9ute1 giv+ me sc>cely "t to call back t ,i w\ld4 ,!n1 ) a ha/y apology = 8 abruptness1 he excus$ himself1 leav+ ,aunt ,joseph9e wond]+ at 8 /range actions4 ,at ab\t ! same "t t ,craig _h left ! laboratory1 at ! ,dodge h\se ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e _h be5 9 ! hall ne> ! libr>y4 ,ela9e 0 9 h] /reet dress4 ,i'm go+ out1 ,auntie1 %e said ) an attempt$ gaiety4 ,&1 %e add$1 if anyone %\ld ask = me1 ,i'll be !re4 ,%e _h %[$ h] a c>d on :i* 0 engrav$1 ! "n & address ( ,flor5ce ,leigh4 ,all "r1 de>1 answ]$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 n q cle> 9 h] m9d :at subtle *ange !re 0 9 ,ela9e4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,half an h\r lat] ,i 0 wait+ ne> ! h\se 9 ! suburbs to :i* ,i _h be5 direct$ by ! /range telephone call ! day be=e4 ,i notic$ t x 0 app>5tly des]t$4 ,! bl9ds 7 clos$ & a ,to ,let sign 0 on ! side ( ! h\se4 ,hello1 ,walt]1 cri$ ,craig at la/1 bu/l+ along4 ,he /opp$ a mom5t to look at ! h\se4 ,!n1 toge!r1 we w5t up ! /eps & we rang ! bell1 gaz+ ab\t4 ,/range1 mutt]$ ,craig4 ,! h\se looks des]t$4 ,he po9t$ out ! sign & ! g5]ally unoccupi$ look ( ! place4 ,nor 0 !re any answ] to our r+4 ,k5n$y paus$ only a second1 9 ?\ght4 ,come on1 ,walt]1 he said ) a sudd5 decision4 ,we've got to get 9 "h someh[4 ,he l$ ! way ar\nd ! side ( ! h\se to a w9d[1 & ) a p[]ful grasp1 wr5*$ op5 ! clos$ %utt]s4 ,he _h j sma%$ ! w9d[ vici\sly ) 8 foot :5 a policeman appe>$4 ,hey1 y fell[s--:at are y do+ !re8 he %\t$4 ,craig paus$ a second1 !n pull$ 8 c>d f 8 pocket4 ,j ! man ,i want1 he p>ri$1 mu* to ! policeman's surprise1 ,!re's some?+ crook$ go+ on "h4 ,foll[ u 94 ,we climb$ into ! w9d[4 ,!re 0 ! same liv+ room we _h se5 ! day be=e4 ,b x 0 n[ b>e & des]t$4 ,ev]y?+ 0 gone except an old brok5 *air4 ,craig & ,i 7 frankly amaz$ at ! complete & sudd5 *ange & ,i ?9k ! policeman 0 a little surpris$1 = he _h ?\ght ! place occupi$4 ,come on1 cri$ ,k5n$y1 beckon+ u on4 ,quickly he ru%$ ?r\gh ! h\se4 ,!re 0 n a ?+ 9 x to *ange ! des]t$ appe>ance ( ! fir/ floor4 ,at la/ x occurr$ to ,craig to grope 8 way d[n cell>4 ,!re 0 no?+ !re1 ei!r1 except a b91 z innoc5t ( coal z ,"m ,hubb>d's cupbo>d 0 ( food4 ,= sev]al m9utes we hunt$ ab\t )\t discov]+ a ?+4 ,k5n$y _h be5 c>efully go+ ov] ! place & 0 at ! o!r side ( ! cell> f ourselves :5 ,i saw him /op & gaze at ! floor4 ,he 0 n look+1 app>5tly1 s mu* z li/5+4 ,i /ra9$ my e>s1 b c\ld make out no?+4 ,be=e ,i c\ld say any?+1 he rais$ 8 h& = sil5ce4 ,app>5tly he _h he>d some?+4 ,hide1 he :isp]$ sudd5ly to u4 ,)\t ano!r ^w1 ?\gh = ! life ( me ,i c\ld make no?+ out ( x1 ,i pull$ ! policeman into a little angle ( ! wall ne>by1 :ile ,craig slipp$ into a simil> angle4 ,we wait$ a mom5t4 ,no?+ happ5$4 ,_h he be5 see+ ?+s or he>+ ?+s1 ,i wond]$8 ,f our hidd5 vantage we c\ld n[ see a squ>e piece 9 ! floor1 p]haps five feet 9 diamet]1 sl[ly op5 up z ?\gh on a pivot4 ,b5ea? x we c\ld make out a tube-l hole1 p]haps ?ree feet across1 ) a cov]$ top4 ,x sl[ly op5$4 ,a weird & s9i/] figure ( a man appe>$4 ,ov] 8 head he wore a peculi> helmet ) hide\s glass pieces ov] ! eyes1 & tubes t connect$ ) a tank :i* he c>ri$ buckl$ to 8 back4 ,z he sl[ly dragg$ himself out1 ,i c\ld wond] only at ! outl&i% headge>4 ,quickly he clos$ d[n ! cov] ( ! tube1 b n be=e a vile effluvium seem$ to escape1 & p5etrate ev5 to u 9 our hid+ places4 ,z he mov$ =w>d1 ,k5n$y gave a fly+ leap at him1 & we foll[$ ) a regul> football int]f]5ce4 ,x 0 ! "w ( only a mom5t = u to subdue & hold him1 :ile ,craig ripp$ (f ! helmet4 ,x 0 ,dan ! ,dude4 ,:at's t ?+8 ,i puff$1 z ,i help$ ,craig ) ! headge>4 ,an oxyg5 helmet1 he repli$4 ,!re mu/ be air d[n ! tube t _c be brea!d4 ,he w5t ov] to ! tube4 ,c>efully he op5$ ! top & gaz$ d[n1 />t+ back a second lat]1 ) 8 face puck]$ up at ! noxi\s odor4 ,sew] gas1 he ejaculat$1 z he slamm$ ! cov] d[n4 ,!n he add$ to ! policeman1 ,:]e d y suppose x comes f8 ,:y1 repli$ ! (fic]1 ! ,/4 ,james ,dra9--an old sew]--is some:]e ab\t ^! p>ts4 ,k5n$y puck]$ 8 face z he gaz$ at our prison]4 ,he rea*$ d[n quickly & lift$ some?+ (f ! man's coat4 ,gold5 hair1 he mutt]$4 ,ela9e's6 ,a mom5t lat] he seiz$ ! man & %ook him r\ghly4 ,:]e is %e--tell me8 he dem&$4 ,! man sn>l$ "s k9d ( reply1 refus+ to say a ^w ab\t h]4 ,tell me1 repeat$ ,k5n$y4 ,humph6 snort$ ! prison]1 m close-m\!d ?an ev]4 ,k5n$y 0 furi\s4 ,z he s5t ! man reel+ away f him1 he seiz$ ! oxyg5 helmet & began putt+ x on4 ,!re 0 only "o ?+ to d--to foll[ ! clue ( ! gold5 /r&s ( hair4 ,d[n into ! pe/ hole he w5t1 8 head protect$ by ! oxyg5 helmet4 ,z he cauti\sly took "o /ep aft] ano!r d[n a s]ies ( iron rungs inside ! hole1 he f\nd t ! wat] 0 up to 8 *e/4 ,at ! bottom ( ! p]p5dicul> pit 0 a n>r[ l[ passage way1 lead+ (f4 ,x 0 j ab\t big en\gh to get ?r\gh1 b he manag$ to grope along x4 ,he came at la/ to ! ma9 dra91 an old /one-wall$ sew]1 z murky a place z c\ld well be imag9$1 fill$ ) ! f\le/ sew] gas4 ,he 0 h>dly able to keep 8 feet 9 ! swirl+1 bubbl+ wat] t swept pa/1 almo/ up to 8 neck4 ,! m9utes pass$ z ! policeman & ,i wat*$ our prison] 9 ! cell>1 by ! tube4 ,i look$ anxi\sly at my wat*4 ,craig6 ,i %\t$ at la/1 unable to control my fe>s = him4 ,no answ]4 ,to g d[n aft] him seem$ out ( ! "q4 ,by ?is "t1 ,craig _h come to a small op5 *amb] into :i* ! sew] wid5$4 ,on ! wall he f\nd ano!r s]ies ( iron rungs up :i* he climb$4 ,! gas 0 t]rible4 ,z he ne>$ ! top ( ! ladd]1 he came to a %elf-l ap]ture 9 ! sew] *amb]1 & gaz$ ab\t4 ,x 0 horribly d>k4 ,he rea*$ out & felt a piece ( clo?4 ,anxi\sly he pull$ on x4 ,!n he rea*$ fur!r into ! d>kness4 ,!re 0 ,ela9e1 unconsci\s1 app>5tly dead4 ,he %ook h]1 endeavor+ to wake h] up4 ,b x 0 no use4 ,9 desp]ation ,craig c>ri$ h] d[n ! ladd]4 ,) our prison]1 we c\ld only look helplessly ar\nd4 ,aga9 & aga9 ,i look$ at my wat* z ! m9utes l5g!n$4 ,suppose ! oxyg5 gave out8 ,by ,george1 ,i'm go+ d[n aft] him1 ,i cri$ 9 desp]ation4 ,don't d x1 advis$ ! policeman4 ,y'll nev] get out4 ,"o :iff ( ! horrible gas told me t he 0 "r4 ,i %\ld n h be5 able to g fifty feet 9 x4 ,i look$ at him 9 despair4 ,x 0 impossible4 ,li/51 said ! policeman1 /ra9+ 8 e>s4 ,!re 0 inde$ a fa9t noise f ! black dep?s bel[ u4 ,a rope alongside ! r\gh ladd] began to move1 z ?\gh someone 0 pull+ x taut4 ,we gaz$ d[n4 ,craig6 ,craig6 ,i call$4 ,is t y8 ,no answ]4 ,b ! rope /ill mov$4 ,p]haps ! helmet made x impossible = him to he>4 ,he _h /ruggl$ back 9 ! swirl+ curr5t almo/ exhau/$ by 8 helpless burd54 ,hold+ ,ela9e's head above ! surface ( ! wat] & pull+ on ! rope to attract my att5tion1 = he c\ld nei!r he> nor %\t1 he _h tak5 a turn ( ! rope ab\t ,ela9e4 ,i tri$ pull+ on x4 ,!re 0 some?+ heavy on ! o!r end & ,i kept on pull+4 ,at la/ ,i c\ld make out ,k5n$y dimly m\nt+ ! ladd]4 ,! weight 0 ! unconsci\s body ( ,ela9e :i* he /eadi$ z he m\nt$4 ,i tugg$ h>d] & he sl[ly came up4 ,toge!r1 at la/1 ! policeman & ,i rea*$ d[n & pull$ !m out4 ,we plac$ ,ela9e on ! cell> floor1 z com=tably z 0 possible1 & ! policeman began 8 fir/-aid motions = resuscitation4 ,no--no1 cri$ ,k5n$y1 ,n "h--take h] up :]e ! air is fre%]4 ,) 8 revolv] /ill drawn to ov]awe ! prison]1 ! policeman =c$ him to aid u 9 c>ry+ h] up ! rickety flight ( cell> /eps4 ,k5n$y foll[$ quickly1 unscrew+ ! oxyg5 helmet z he w5t4 ,9 ! des]t$ liv+ room we deposit$ our s5seless burd51 :ile ,k5n$y1 ! helmet (f n[1 b5t ov] h]4 ,quick--quick6 he cri$ to ! (fic]1 ,an ambulance6 ,b ! prison]1 ! policeman indicat$4 ,hurry--hurry--,i'll take c>e ( him1 urg$ ,craig1 seiz+ ! policeman's pi/ol & ?ru/+ x into 8 pocket4 ,walt]--help me4 ,he 0 try+ ! ord9>y me?ods ( resuscitation4 ,mean:ile ! (fic] _h hurri$ out1 seek+ ! ne>e/ telephone1 :ile we work$ madly to br+ ,ela9e back4 ,aga9 & aga9 ,k5n$y b5t & out/ret*$ h] arms1 try+ to induce respiration4 ,s busy 0 ,i t = ! mom5t ,i =got our prison]4 ,b ,dan _h se5 8 *ance4 ,noiselessly he pick$ up ! old *air 9 ! room & ) x rais$ 0 approa*+ ,k5n$y to knock him out4 ,be=e ,i knew x myself1 ,k5n$y _h he>d him4 ,) a half in/9ctive motion1 he drew ! revolv] f 8 pocket &1 almo/ be=e ,i c\ld see x1 _h %ot ! man4 ,)\t a ^w he return$ ! gun to 8 pocket & aga9 b5t ov] ,ela9e1 )\t s mu* z a look at ! crook :o sank to ! floor1 dropp+ ! *air f 8 n]veless h&s4 ,already ! policeman _h got an ambulance :i* 0 n[ te>+ along to u4 ,frantically ,k5n$y 0 work+4 ,a mom5t he paus$ & look$ at me--hopeless4 ,j !n1 outside1 we c\ld he> ! ambulance1 & a doctor & two att5dants hurri$ up to ! door4 ,)\t a ^w ! doctor seem$ to appreciate ! gravity ( ! case4 ,he f9i%$ 8 exam9ation & %ook 8 head4 ,!re is no hope--no hope1 he said sl[ly4 ,k5n$y m]ely />$ at him4 ,b ! re/ ( u in/9ctively remov$ our hats4 ,k5n$y gaz$ at ,ela9e1 ov]come4 ,0 ?is ! end8 ,x 0 n _m m9utes lat] t ,k5n$y _h ,ela9e 9 ! little sitt+ room (f ! laboratory1 hav+ tak5 h] !re 9 ! ambulance1 ) ! doctor & two att5dants4 ,ela9e's body _h be5 plac$ on a c\*1 cov]$ by a blanket1 & ! %ades 7 drawn4 ,! light fell on h] pale face4 ,!re 0 some?+ incongru\s ab\t dea? & ! va/ collection ( sci5tific app>atus1 a gha/ly mock+ ( humanity4 ,h[ futile 0 x all 9 ! pres5ce ( ! great de/roy]8 ,aunt ,joseph9e _h arriv$1 /unn$1 & a mom5t lat]1 ,p]ry ,b5nett4 ,z ,i look$ at ! sorr[ful p>ty1 ,aunt ,joseph9e rose sl[ly f h] position on h] knees :]e %e _h be5 weep+ sil5tly beside ,ela9e1 & press$ h] h&s ov] h] eyes1 ) e indication ( fa9tness4 ,be=e any ( u c\ld d any?+1 %e _h /agg]$ into ! laboratory itself1 ,b5nett & ,i foll[+ quickly4 ,!re ,i 0 busy = "s "t gett+ re/oratives4 ,mean:ile ,k5n$y1 beside ! c\*1 ) an air ( desp]ate det]m9ation1 turn$ away & op5$ a cab9et4 ,f x he took a l>ge coil & atta*$ x to a /orage batt]y1 dragg+ ! peculi> app>atus ne> ,ela9e's c\*4 ,to an electric light socket1 ,craig atta*$ wires4 ,! doctor wat*$ him 9 sil5t wond]4 ,doctor1 he ask$ sl[ly z he work$1 d y "k ( ,pr(essor ,l$uc ( ! ,nantes ,ecole de ,m$ic98 ,:y--yes1 answ]$ ! doctor1 b :at ( him8 ,!n y "k ( 8 me?od ( electrical resuscitation4 ,yes--b-- ,he paus$1 look+ appreh5sively at ,k5n$y4 ,craig paid no att5tion to 8 fe>s1 b approa*+ ! c\* on :i* ,ela9e lay1 appli$ ! electrodes4 ,y see1 he expla9$1 ) =c$ calmness1 ,i apply ! anode "h--! ca?ode !re4 ,! ambulance surgeon look$ on excit$ly1 z ,craig turn$ on ! curr5t1 apply+ x to ! back ( ! neck & to ! sp9e4 ,= "s m9utes ! ma*9e work$4 ,!n ! "y doctor's eyes began to bulge4 ,my heav5s6 he cri$ "u 8 brea?4 ,look6 ,ela9e's *e/ _h sl[ly ris5 & fall54 ,k5n$y1 8 att5tion rivet$ on 8 "w1 appli$ himself ) r$\bl$ ef=ts4 ,! "y doctor look$ on ) increas$ wond]4 ,look6 ,! color 9 h] face6 ,see h] lips6 he cri$4 ,at la/ h] eyes sl[ly flutt]$ op5--!n clos$4 ,w\ld ! ma*9e succe$8 ,or 0 x j ! galvanic effect ( ! curr5t8 ,! doctor notic$ x & quickly plac$ 8 e> to h] he>t4 ,8 face 0 a /udy 9 a/oni%m5t4 ,! m9utes sp$ fa/4 ,to u outside1 :o _h no idea :at 0 transpir+ 9 ! o!r room1 ! m9utes 7 lead5-feet$4 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 weak b n[ h]self aga91 0 sitt+ n]v\sly4 ,j !n ! door op5$4 ,i %all nev] =get ! look on ! "y ambulance surgeon's face1 z he murmur$ "u 8 brea?1 ,come "h--! age ( miracles is n pass$--look6 ,rais+ 8 f+] to indicate t we 7 to make no noise1 he l$ u into ! o!r room4 ,k5n$y 0 b5d+ ov] ! c\*4 ,ela9e1 h] eyes op51 n[1 0 gaz+ up at him1 & a wan smile flitt$ ov] h] beautiful face4 ,k5n$y _h tak5 h] h&1 & z he he>d u ent]1 turn$ half way to u1 :ile we />$ 9 blank wond] f ,ela9e to ! weird & complicat$ electrical app>atus4 ,x is ! life-curr5t1 he said simply1 patt+ ! ,l$uc app>atus ) 8 o!r h&4 ,,*apt] ,,xi ,,! ,,h\r ,,( ,,?ree ,) ! om9\s =ef+] ( 8 ,clut*+ ,h& ext5d$1 ! ma/] crim9al emphasiz$ 8 in/ructions to 8 m9ions4 ,p]ry ,b5nett1 h] lawy]1 is 9 favor aga9 ) ,ela9e ,dodge1 he 0 say+4 ,%e & ,k5n$y are on ! outs ev5 yet4 ,b !y may become reconcil$4 ,!n %e'll h t fell[ on our trail aga94 ,be=e t happ5s1 we mu/ 'get' h]--see8 ,x 0 9 ! late/ headqu>t]s to :i* ,craig _h *as$ ! crim9al1 9 "o ( ! t\ghe/ p>ts ( ! old ,gre5wi* village1 on ! we/ side ( ,new ,york1 n f> f ! riv] front4 ,!y 7 all seat$ 9 a fairly l>ge b d+y old room1 9 :i* 7 sev]al *airs1 a rickety table &1 aga9/ ! wall1 a roll-top desk on ! top ( :i* 0 a telephone4 ,sev]al crooks ( ! gang 7 sitt+ ab\t1 smok+4 ,n[1 w5t on ,clut*+ ,h&1 ,i want y1 ,spike1 to foll[ !m4 ,see :at !y d--:]e !y g4 ,x's h] bir?day4 ,some?+'s b\nd to occur t w give y a lead4 ,all y've got to d is to use y\r head4 ,get me8 ,spike rose1 nodd$1 pick$ up 8 hat & coat & squirm$ out on 8 mission1 l ! snake t he 04 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 01 z ,clut*+ ,h& _h said1 ,ela9e's bir?day4 ,%e _h receiv$ _m call]s & congratulations1 innum]able co/ly & beautiful tok5s ( remembrance f h] c\ntless fri5ds & admir]s4 ,9 ! cons]vatory ( ! ,dodge h\se ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 & ,susie ,m>t9 7 sitt+ discuss+ n only ! happy occasion1 b1 m1 ! _m /range ev5ts ( ! pa/ few weeks4 ,well1 cri$ a famili> voice beh9d !m4 ,:at w\ld a c]ta9 blonde "y lady accept z a bir?day pres5t f h] family lawy]8 ,all ?ree turn$ 9 surprise4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,b5nett1 cri$ ,ela9e4 ,h[ y />tl$ u6 ,he laugh$ & repeat$ 8 "q1 adopt+ ! tone t he _h once us$ 9 ! days :5 he _h be5 m 9 favor ) ! pretty heiress1 be=e ! adv5t ( ,k5n$y4 ,ela9e hesitat$4 ,%e 0 ?9k+ n s mu* ( 8 words z ( ,k5n$y4 ,to !m all1 h[ev]1 x seem$ t %e 0 unable to make up h] m9d :at1 9 ! weal? ( h] luxury1 %e w\ld l4 ,susie ,m>t9 _h be5 wond]+ :e!r1 n[ t ,b5nett 0 "h1 %e 7 n de trop1 & %e look$ at h] wri/ wat* me*anically4 ,z %e did s1 an idea occurr$ to h]4 ,:y n "o ( ^!8 %e cri$ impulsively1 indicat+ ! wat*4 ,fa!r has "s beauties at ! %op4 ,oh1 good1 exclaim$ ,ela9e1 h[ sweet6 ,%e welcom$ ! sugge/ion1 = %e _h be5 ?9k+ t p]haps ,b5nett might be h9t+ too s]i\sly at a solitaire4 ,s t /rikes y\r fancy8 he ask$4 ,!n let's all g to ! %op4 ,miss ,m>t9 w p]sonally conduct ! t\r1 & we %all h our pick ( ! f9e/ /ock4 ,a mom5t lat] ! ?ree "y p w5t out & 7 quickly :irl$ (f d[n ! ,av5ue 9 ! ,dodge t[n c>4 ,x 0 too gay a p>ty to notice a s9i/] figure foll[+ !m 9 a cab4 ,b z !y ent]$ ! fa%ionable jewelry %op1 ,spike1 :o _h alight$1 walk$ sl[ly d[n ! /reet4 ,*att+ ) animation1 ! ?ree mov$ ov] to ! wat* c\nt]1 :ile ! crook1 ) a det]m9ation n to risk miss+ any?+1 ent]$ ! %op door1 too4 ,mr4 ,?omas1 ask$ ,susie z h] fa!r's cl]k b[$ to !m1 please %[ ,miss ,dodge ! wri/ wat*es fa!r 0 tell+ ab\t4 ,) ano!r def]5tial b[1 ! cl]k ha/5$ to display a case ( wat*es & !y b5t ov] !m4 ,z ea* new wat* 0 po9t$ out1 ,ela9e 0 delight$4 ,unobs]v$1 ! crook walk$ ov] ne> en\gh to he> :at 0 go+ on4 ,at la/1 ) mu* bant] & yet c>e1 ,ela9e select$ "o t 0 inde$ a beauty & 0 ab\t to snap x on h] da9ty wri/1 :5 ! cl]k int]rupt$4 ,i beg p>don1 he sugge/$1 b ,i'd advise y to leave x to be regulat$1 if y please4 ,yes1 inde$1 *im$ 9 ,susie4 ,fa!r always advises t4 ,reluctantly1 ,ela9e h&$ x ov] to ! cl]k4 ,oh1 ?ank y1 ev] s mu*1 ,mr4 ,b5nett1 %e said z he unobtrusively paid = ! wat* & gave ! address to :i* x 0 to be s5t :5 ready4 ,a mom5t lat] !y w5t out & ent]$ ! c> aga94 ,z !y did s1 ,spike1 :o _h be5 look+ v>i\s ?+s 9 ! next case ov] z if undecid$1 came up to ! wat* c\nt]4 ,i'm mak+ a pres5t1 he rem>k$ confid5tially to ! cl]k4 ,h[ ab\t ^? bracelet wat*es8 ,! cl]k pull$ out "s ( ! *eap] ones4 ,no1 he said ?\ghtfully1 po9t+ out a tray 9 ! %[ case1 some?+ l ^?4 ,he end$ by pick+ out "o id5tically l t :i* ,ela9e _h select$1 & />t$ to pay = x4 ,bett] h x regulat$1 repeat$ ! cl]k4 ,no1 he object$ ha/ily1 %ak+ 8 head & pay+ ! money quickly4 ,x's a pres5t--& ,i want x tonight4 ,he took ! wat* & left ! /ore hurri$ly4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! laboratory1 ,k5n$y 0 work+ ov] an oblong oak box1 p]haps eighte5 in*es 9 l5g? & half z high4 ,9 ! box ,i c\ld see1 besides o!r app>atus1 two good siz$ spools ( f9e wire4 ,:at's all t8 ,i ask$ inquisitively4 ,ano!r ( ! new in/rum5ts t sci5tific detectives use1 he respond$1 sc>cely look+ up1 a little magnetic wiz>d1 ! telegraphone4 ,:i* is8 ,i prompt$4 ,some?+ we detectives might use to take d[n & 'c' telephone & o!r conv]sations4 ,:5 x is atta*$ prop]ly to a telephone1 x records ev]y?+ t is said ov] ! wire4 ,h[ does x "w8 ,i ask$1 mu* my/ifi$4 ,well1 x is bas$ on an entirely new pr9ciple1 9 e way diff]5t f ! phonograph1 he expla9$4 ,z y c see !re are no discs or cyl9d]s1 b ^! spools ( extremely f9e /eel wire4 ,! record is n made me*anically on a cyl9d]1 b electromagnetically on ?is wire4 ,h[8 ,i ask$1 almo/ incr$ul\sly4 ,to put x briefly1 he w5t on1 small portions ( magnetism1 z x 71 are imp>t$ to fractions ( ! /eel wire z x passes betwe5 two c>bon electric magnets4 ,ea* impression repres5ts a s\nd wave4 ,!re is no app>5t diff]5ce 9 ! wire1 yet ea* p>ticle ( /eel und]goes an electromagnetic trans=mation by :i* ! s\nd is indelibly impr9t$ on x4 ,!n y scrape ! wire1 j z y %ave records to use x ov] aga98 ,i sugge/$4 ,no1 he repli$4 ,y pass a magnet ov] x & ! magnet automatically erases ! record4 ,ru/ has no effect4 ,! record la/s z long z /eel la/s4 ,craig cont9u$ to t9k] tantaliz+ly ) ! ma*9e :i* _h be5 inv5t$ by a ,dane1 ,valdem> ,p\ls54 ,he _h sc>cely f9i%$ te/+ out ! telegraphone1 :5 ! laboratory door op5$ & a clean-cut "y man ent]$4 ,k5n$y1 ,i knew1 _h f\nd t ! r\t9e "w ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& case 0 beyond 8 limit$ "t & _h reta9$ ?is "y man1 ,raymond ,*ase1 to att5d to t4 ,*ase 0 a "y detective :om ,craig _h employ$ on %ad[+ jobs & z a /ool pigeon on o!r cases1 & we _h all ! confid5ce 9 ! _w 9 him4 ,j n[ :at worri$ ,craig 0 ! situation ) ,ela9e1 & ,i fanci$ t he _h giv5 ,*ase "s commission 9 connection ) t4 ,i've got x1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 greet$ ,*ase ) quiet mode/y4 ,good1 respond$ ,craig he>tily4 ,i knew y w\ld4 ,got :at8 ,i ask$ a mom5t lat]4 ,k5n$y nodd$ = ,*ase to answ]4 ,i've locat$ ! new resid5ce ( ,flirty ,florrie1 he repli$4 ,i saw :at ,k5n$y 0 aft] at once4 ,flirty ,florrie & ,dan ! ,dude _h caus$ ! qu>rel betwe5 himself & ,ela9e4 ,dan ! ,dude 0 dead4 ,b ,flirty ,florrie might be =c$ to expla9 x4 ,t's f9e1 he add$1 exult+ly4 ,n[1 ,i'll cle> t ?+ up4 ,he took a ha/y /ep to ! telephone1 put 8 h& on ! receiv] & 0 ab\t to take x (f ! hook4 ,!n he paus$1 & ,i saw 8 face work+4 ,! w\nd ,ela9e _h giv5 8 feel+s 0 deep4 ,x _h n yet q heal$4 ,f9ally1 8 pride1 = ,k5n$y's 0 a highly s5sitive nature1 got ! bett] ( him4 ,no1 he said1 half to himself1 n--yet4 ,ela9e _h return$ home4 ,alone1 h] ?\ghts naturally w5t back to :at _h happ5$ rec5tly to int]rupt a fri5d%ip :i* _h be5 ! sweete/ 9 h] life4 ,!re ,,mu/ be "s mi/ake1 %e murmur$ p5sively to h]self1 ?9k+ ( ! photograph ,flirty _h giv5 h]4 ,oh1 :y did ,i s5d him away8 ,:y didn't ,i believe him8 ,!n %e ?\ght ( :at _h happ5$1 ( h[ %e _h be5 seiz$ by ,dan ! ,dude 9 ! des]t$ h\se1 ( h[ ! noxi\s gas _h ov]come h]4 ,!y _h told h] ( h[ ,craig _h risk$ 8 life to save h]1 h[ %e _h be5 br\ght home1 /ill only half alive1 aft] 8 almo/ miracul\s "w ) ! new electric ma*9e4 ,!re 0 8 picture4 ,%e _h n tak5 t away4 ,z %e look$ at x1 a wave ( feel+ came ov] h]4 ,me*anically1 %e put out h] h& to ! telephone4 ,%e 0 ab\t to take (f ! receiv]1 :5 some?+ seem$ to /ay h] h&4 ,%e want$ him to come to h]4 ,&1 if ei!r ( !m _h call$ ! o!r j !n1 !y w\ld h probably cross$ wires4 ,( su* /uff are ! qu>rels ( lov]s4 ,craig's eye fell on ! telegraphone1 & an idea seem$ to occur to him4 ,walt]1 y & ,*ase br+ t ?+ along1 he said a mom5t lat]4 ,he paus$ long en\gh to take a badge f ! draw] ( a cab9et1 & w5t out4 ,we foll[$ him1 lugg+ ! telegraphone4 ,at la/ we came to ! ap>tm5t h\se at :i* ,*ase _h locat$ ! woman4 ,!re x is1 he po9t$ out1 z ,i gave a groan ( relief1 = ! telegraphone 0 gett+ l lead4 ,k5n$y nodd$ & drew f 8 pocket ! badge ,i _h se5 him take f ! cab9et4 ,n[1 ,*ase1 he direct$1 y ne$n't g 9 ) u4 ,walt] & ,i c manage ?is1 n[4 ,b don't get out ( t\* ) me4 ,i %all ne$ y any mom5t--c]ta9ly tomorr[4 ,i saw t ! badge read1 ,telephone ,inspector4 ,walt]1 he smil$1 y're elect$ my help]4 ,we ent]$ ! ap>tm5t h\se hall & f\nd a ,negro boy 9 *>ge ( ! swit*bo>d4 ,x took ,craig only a mom5t to conv9ce ! boy t he 0 f ! company & t compla9ts _h be5 made by "s anonym\s t5ant4 ,y look ov] t swit*bo>d1 ,kelly1 he w9k$ at me1 :ile ,i te/ out ! connections back "h4 ,!re mu/ be some?+ wrong ) ! wires or !re w\ldn't be s _m compla9ts4 ,he _h gone back ( ! swit*bo>d & ! ,negro1 /ill unsuspici\s1 wat*$ )\t und]/&+ :at x 0 all ab\t4 ,i don't "k1 ,craig mutt]$ f9ally = ! b5efit ( ! boy1 b ,i ?9k ,i'll h to leave t te/] aft] all4 ,say1 if ,i put x "h1 y'll h to be c>eful n to let anyone m$dle ) x4 ,if y d1 !re'll be ! deuce to pay4 ,see8 ,k5n$y _h already />t$ to fa/5 ! telegraphone to ! wires he _h select$ f ! tangle4 ,at la/ he f9i%$ & /ood up4 ,don't di/urb x & don't let anyone else t\* x1 he ord]$4 ,bett] n tell anyone--t's ! be/ way4 ,i'll be back = x tomorr[ probably4 ,yas sah1 nodd$ ! boy1 ) a b[1 z we w5t out4 ,we return$ to ! laboratory1 :]e !re seem$ to be no?+ we c\ld d n[ except wait = some?+ to happ54 ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 employ$ ! "t by plung+ into "w1 mo/ ( ! "t exp]im5t+ ) a peculi> little coil to :i* ran ! wires ( an ord9>y electric bell4 ,back 9 ! new hang-out1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& 0 lay+ d[n ! law to 8 lieut5ants & heel]s1 :5 ,spike at la/ ent]$4 ,huh6 gr[l$ ! ma/] crim9al1 cov]+ ! fact t he 0 consid]ably reliev$ to see him at la/1 :]e h ,,y be58 ,i've be5 (f on a little job myself & got back4 ,spike apologiz$ pr(usely4 ,he _h succe$$ s easily t he _h ?\ght to take a little "t to meet up ) an old pal :om he ran across1 j out ( prison4 ,yes sir1 he repli$ ha/ily1 well1 ,i w5t ov] to ! ,dodge h\se1 & ,i saw !m f9ally4 ,foll[$ !m into a jewelry %op4 ,t lawy] b\ght h] a wri/ wat*4 ,s ,i b\ght "o j l x4 ,i ?\ght p]haps we c\ld-- ,give x to me1 gr[l$ ,clut*+ ,h&1 seiz+ x ! mom5t ,slim display$ x4 ,& don't butt 9--see8 ,f ! capaci\s desk1 ! ma/] crim9al pull$ a set ( small drills1 vices1 & o!r jewel]'s tools & plac$ !m on ! table4 ,all "r1 he rel5t$4 ,n[1 d y see :at ,i h j ?\ght (--no8 ,?is is j ! *ance4 ,look at me4 ,! heel]s ga!r$ ar\nd him1 pe]+ curi\sly at _! ma/] z he work$ at ! bracelet wat*4 ,c>efully he pli$ 8 h&s to ! job1 reg>dless ( "t4 ,!re1 he exclaim$ at la/1 hold+ ! wat* up :]e !y c\ld all see x4 ,see6 ,he pull$ out ! /em to set ! h&s & sl[ly twi/$ x betwe5 8 ?umb & f+]4 ,he turn$ ! h&s until !y 7 almo/ at ! po9t ( ?ree o'clock4 ,!n he held ! wat* out :]e all c\ld see x4 ,!y b5t clos] & /ra9$ _! eyes at ! little second h& tick+ away m]rily4 ,z ! m9ute h& t\*$ ?ree1 f ! back ( ! case1 z if f ! cas+ itself1 a little ne$le1 p]haps a qu>t] ( an in*1 jump$ out4 ,x seem$ to come f :at look$ l m]ely a small inset 9 ! decorations4 ,y see :at w happ5 at ! h\r ( ?ree8 he ask$4 ,no "o said a ^w1 z he held up a vial :i* he _h drawn f 8 pocket4 ,on x !y c\ld read ! label1 ,ric9us4 ,"o ( ! mo/ p[]ful poisons 9 ! _w6 he exclaim$4 ,en\gh "h to kill a regim5t6 ,!y fairly gasp$ & look$ at x ) horror1 ex*ang+ glances4 ,!n !y look$ at him 9 awe4 ,!re 0 no wond] t ,clut*+ ,h& kept !m 9 l9e1 once he _h a crook 9 8 p[]4 ,op5+ ! vial c>efully1 he dipp$ 9 a ?9 piece ( glass & plac$ a t9y drop 9 a receptacle back ( ! ne$le & on ! ne$le itself4 ,altoge!r x savor$ ( ! anci5t days ( ! ,borgias ) _! weird poison$ r+s4 ,!n he dropp$ ! vial back into 8 pocket1 press$ a spr+1 & ! ne$le w5t back into its unsuspect$ hid+ place4 ,i've set my inv5tion to g (f at ?ree o'clock1 he conclud$4 ,tomorr[ =5oon1 x w h to be deliv]$ e>ly--& ,i don't believe we %all be tr\bl$ any long] by ,miss ,ela9e ,dodge1 he add$ v5om\sly4 ,ev5 ! crooks1 h>d5$ z !y 71 c\ld only gasp4 ,calmly he wrapp$ up ! app>5tly innoc5t eng9e ( de/ruction & h&$ x to ,spike4 ,see t %e gets x 9 "t1 he said m]ely4 ,i w1 sir1 answ]$ ,spike1 tak+ x g+]ly4 ,flirty ,florrie _h return$ t aft]noon1 late1 f "s exp$ition on :i* %e _h be5 s5t4 ,rankl+ 9 h] he>t yet 0 ! dea? ( h] lov]1 ,dan ! ,dude4 ,=1 al?\gh 9 h] sph]e ( crookdom !y are nei!r m>ri$ nor giv5 9 m>riage1 /ill !re is a br& ( loyalty t high] circles might well copy4 ,sacr$ to ! memory ( ! dead1 h[ev]1 %e _h "o desire--rev5ge4 ,?us :5 %e arriv$ home1 %e w5t to ! telephone to report & call$ a numb]1 #ddid ,gre5wi*4 ,hello1 ,*ief1 %e repeat$4 ,?is is ,flirty4 ,h y done any?+ yet 9 ! little matt] we talk$ ab\t8 ,say--be c>eful ( names--ov] ! wire1 came a gr[l4 ,y "k--:at ,i mean4 ,yes4 ,! trick w be pull$ (f at ?ree o'clock4 ,good6 %e exclaim$4 ,good-bye & ?ank y4 ,) 8 well-kn[n caution ,clut*+ ,h& did n ev5 betray names ov] ! telephone if he c\ld help x4 ,flirty hung up ! receiv] ) satisfaction4 ,! manes ( ! dep>t$ ,dan might soon re/ 9 peace6 ,! next day1 e>ly 9 ! =5oon1 a "y man ) a small package c>efully done up came to ! ,dodge h\se4 ,f ,m>t9's1 ! jewel]'s1 = ,miss ,dodge1 he said to ,j5n+s at ! door4 ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e 7 sitt+ 9 ! libr>y :5 ,j5n+s ann\nc$ him4 ,oh1 x's my wat*1 cri$ ,ela9e4 ,%[ him 94 ,j5n+s b[$ & did s4 ,spike ent]$1 & h&$ ! package to ,ela9e1 :o sign$ h] "n excit$ly & op5$ x4 ,j look1 ,auntie1 %e exclaim$4 ,isn't x /unn+8 ,v pretty1 comm5t$ ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,ela9e put ! wat* on h] wri/ & admir$ x4 ,is x all "r8 ask$ ,spike4 ,yes1 yes1 answ]$ ,ela9e4 ,y may g4 ,he w5t out1 :ile ,ela9e gaz$ raptur\sly at ! new tr9ket :ile x tick$ (f ! m9utes--?is devili% in/rum5t4 ,e>ly ! same morn+ ,k5n$y w5t ar\nd aga9 to ! ap>tm5t h\se &1 cauti\s n to be se5 by ,flirty1 recov]$ ! telegraphone4 ,toge!r we c>ri$ x to ! laboratory4 ,!re he set up a little in/rum5t t look$ l a w$ge sitt+ up on end1 9 ! face ( :i* 0 a dial4 ,?r\gh x he began to run ! wire f ! spools1 &1 tak+ an e>piece1 put ano!r on my head ov] my e>s4 ,y see1 he expla9$1 ! pr9ciple on :i* ?is is bas$ is t a mass ( temp]$ /eel may be impress$ ) & w reta9 magnetic fluxes v>y+ 9 d5sity & 9 sign 9 adjac5t portions ( itself--little deposits ( magnetic impulse4 ,:5 ! telegraphone is atta*$ to ! telephone wire1 ! curr5ts t affect ! receiv] also affect ! coils ( ! telegraphone & ! di/urbance set up causes a deposit ( magnetic impulse on ! /eel wire4 ,:5 ! wire is aga9 run pa/ ^! coils ) a receiv] su* z ,i h "h 9 circuit ) ! coils1 a light vibration is set up 9 ! receiv] diaphragm :i* reproduces ! s\nd ( spee*4 ,he turn$ a swit* & we li/5$ eag]ly4 ,!re 0 no grat+ & ?ump+1 z he controll$ ! runn+ (f ( ! wire4 ,we 7 li/5+ to ev]y?+ t _h be5 said ov] ! telephone dur+ ! "t s9ce we left ! ma*9e4 ,fir/ came sev]al calls f p ) bills & %e put !m (f mo/ adroitly4 ,!n we he>d a call t caus$ ,k5n$y to look at me quickly1 /op ! ma*9e & />t at t po9t ov] aga94 ,t's :at ,i want$1 he said z we li/5$ 93 ,give me #ddid ,gre5wi*4 ,hello4 ,hello1 ,*ief4 ,?is is ,flirty4 ,h y done any?+ yet 9 ! little matt] we talk$ ab\t8 ,say--be c>eful ( names--ov] ! wire4 ,y "k--:at ,i mean4 ,yes1 ! trick w be pull$ (f at ?ree o'clock4 ,good6 ,good-bye & ?ank y6 ,good-bye4 ,k5n$y /opp$ ! ma*9e & ,i look$ at him blankly4 ,%e call$ ,gre5wi* #ddid & 0 told t ! trick w\ld be pull$ (f at ?ree o'clock today1 he rum9at$4 ,:at trick8 ,i ask$4 ,he %ook 8 head4 ,i don't "k4 ,t is :at we mu/ f9d out4 ,i hadn't expect$ a tip l t4 ,:at ,i want$ 0 to f9d out h[ to get at ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,he paus$ & consid]$ a m9ute1 !n mov$ to ! telephone4 ,!re's only "o ?+ to d & t's to foll[ out my orig9al s*eme1 he said en]getically4 ,in=mation1 please4 ,:]e is ,gre5wi* #ddid8 he ask$ a mom5t lat]4 ,! m9utes pass$4 ,?ank y1 he cri$1 writ+ d[n on a pad an address ov] on ! we/ side ne> ! riv] front4 ,!n turn+ to me he expla9$1 ,walt]1 we've got him at la/6 ,craig rose & put on 8 hat & coat1 ?ru/+ a pair ( op]a glasses into 8 pocket1 9 case we %\ld want to obs]ve ! place at a di/ance4 ,i foll[$ him excit$ly4 ,! trail 0 hot4 ,k5n$y & ,i came at la/ to ! place on ! ,we/ ,side :]e ! crook$ /reets curv$ (f4 ,in/ead ( keep+ on until he came to ! place we s\ght1 he turn$ & quickly slipp$ beh9d ! %elt] ( a f5ce4 ,!re 0 a brok5 bo>d 9 ! f5ce & he b5t d[n1 gaz+ ?r\gh ) ! op]a glasses4 ,across ! lot 0 ! new headqu>t]s1 a some:at dilapidat$ old-fa%ion$ brick h\se ( sev]al g5]ations back4 ,?r\gh ! glass we c\ld see an evil-c\nt5anc$ crook sl9k+ along4 ,he m\nt$ ! /eps & rang ! bell1 turn+ z he wait$4 ,f a small ap]ture 9 ! doorway look$ out ano!r face1 equally evil4 ,"u cov]1 ! crook made ! sign ( ! clut*+ h& twice & 0 admitt$4 ,t's ! place1 all "r1 :isp]$ ,k5n$y ) satisfaction4 ,he hurri$ to a telephone boo? :]e he call$ sev]al numb]s4 ,!n we return$ to ! laboratory1 :ile ,k5n$y quickly figur$ out a plan ( action4 ,i knew ,*ase 0 expect$ !re soon4 ,f ! table he pick$ up ! small coil ov] :i* ,i _h se5 him work+1 & atta*$ x to ! bell & "s batt]ies4 ,he replac$ x on ! table1 :ile ,i wat*$ curi\sly4 ,a sel5ium cell1 he expla9$4 ,only :5 light falls on x does x become a good conductor ( electricity4 ,!n ! bell w r+4 ,j be=e mak+ ! connection he plac$ 8 hat ov] ! cell4 ,!n he lift$ ! hat4 ,! light fell on x & ! bell rang4 ,he replac$ ! hat & ! bell /opp$4 ,x 0 evid5tly a v peculi> prop]ty ( ! sub/ance1 sel5ium4 ,j !n !re came a knock at ! door4 ,i op5$ x4 ,hello1 ,*ase1 greet$ ,k5n$y4 ,well1 ,i've f\nd ! new headqu>t]s all "r1--ov] on ! we/ side4 ,k5n$y pick$ up ! sel5ium cell & a long coil ( f9e wire :i* he plac$ 9 a bag4 ,!n he took ano!r bag already pack$ &1 %ift+ !m betwe5 u1 we hurri$ d[n t[n4 ,ne> ! vacant lot1 back ( ! new headqu>t]s1 0 an old brok5 d[n h\se4 ,?r\gh ! re> ( x we ent]$4 ,i />t$ back 9 a/oni%m5t z we f\nd eight or t5 policem5 already !re4 ,k5n$y _h ord]$ !m to be ready = a raid & !y _h dropp$ 9 "o at a "t )\t attract+ att5tion4 ,well1 m51 he greet$ !m1 ,i see y f\nd ! place all "r4 ,n[1 9 a little :ile ,jameson w return ) two wires4 ,atta* !m to ! bell :i* ,i w leave "h4 ,:5 x r+s1 raid ! h\se4 ,jameson w lead y to x4 ,come1 ,walt]1 he add$1 pick+ up ! bags4 ,t5 m9utes lat]1 outside ! new headqu>t]s1 a cr\*$ up figure1 c>ry+ a small package1 8 face hidd5 "u 8 s(t hat & up-turn$ coll>1 c\ld h be5 se5 sl9k+ along until he came to ! /eps4 ,he w5t up & pe]$ ?r\gh ! ap]ture ( ! doorway4 ,!n he rang ! bell4 ,twice he rais$ 8 h& & cl5*$ x 9 ! n[ famili> clut*4 ,a crook inside saw x ?r\gh ! ap]ture & op5$ ! door4 ,! figure ent]$ & almo/ be=e ! door 0 %ut ti$ ! mask+ h&k]*ief ov] 8 face1 :i* hid 8 id5tity f ev5 ! mo/ tru/$ lieut5ants4 ,! crook b[$ to ! *ief1 :o1 ) a gr[l z ?\gh ( recognition1 mov$ d[n ! hall4 ,z he came to ! room f :i* ,spike _h be5 s5t on 8 mission1 ! same gr\p 0 seat$ 9 ! ?ick tobacco smoke4 ,y fell[s cle> out1 he gr[l$4 ,i want to be alone4 ,! old man is peev$1 mutt]$ "o1 outside1 z !y left4 ,! weird figure gaz$ ab\t ! room to be sure t he 0 alone4 ,:5 ,craig & ,i left ! police he _h giv5 me mo/ m9ute in/ructions :i* ,i 0 n[ foll[+ out to ! lett]4 ,i want y to hide !re1 he said1 indicat+ a b>rel back ( ! h\se next to ! hang-out4 ,:5 y see a wire come d[n f ! headqu>t]s1 take x & c>ry x across ! lot to ! old h\se4 ,atta* x to ! bell2 !n wait4 ,:5 x r+s1 raid ! ,clut*+ ,h& jo9t4 ,i wait$ :at seem$ to be an int]m9able "t back ( ! b>rel & x is no joke hid+ back ( a b>rel4 ,f9ally1 h[ev]1 ,i saw a coil ( f9e wire drop rapidly to ! gr\nd f a w9d[ some:]e above4 ,i made a da% = x1 z ?\gh ,i 7 try+ to ru% ! tr5*es1 seiz$ my prize & )\t look+ back to see :]e x came f1 beat a ha/y retreat4 ,ar\nd ! lot ,i skirt$1 until at la/ ,i rea*$ ! place :]e ! police 7 wait+4 ,quickly we fa/5$ ! wire to ! bell4 ,we wait$4 ,n a s\nd f ! bell4 ,up 9 ! room 9 ! jo9t1 ! hun*$ up figure /ood by ! table4 ,he _h tak5 8 hat (f & plac$ x c>efully on ! table1 & 0 n[ wait+4 ,sudd5ly a noise at ! door />tl$ him4 ,he li/5$4 ,!n he back$ away f ! door & drew a revolv]4 ,z ! door sl[ly op5$ !re ent]$ ano!r figure1 hat ov] 8 eyes1 coll> up1 a h&k]*ief ov] 8 face1 ! exact c\nt]p>t ( ! fir/6 ,= a mom5t ea* gl>$ at ! o!r4 ,h&s up6 %\t$ ! fir/ figure1 ho>sely1 mov+ ! gun & clos+ ! door1 ) 8 foot4 ,! newcom] sl[ly rais$ 8 crook$ h& ov] 8 head1 z ! blue /eel revolv] gap$ m5ac+ly4 ,) a quick movem5t ( ! o!r h&1 ! fir/ s9i/] figure remov$ ! h&k]*ief f 8 face & /raight5$ up4 ,x 0 ,k5n$y6 ,come ov] to ! c5t] ( ! room1 ord]$ ,k5n$y4 ,clut*+ ,h& obey$1 eye+ 8 captor closely4 ,n[ lay y\r weapons on ! table4 ,he toss$ d[n a revolv]4 ,! two /ill fac$ ea* o!r4 ,take (f t h&k]*ief6 ,x 0 a t5se mom5t4 ,sl[ly ,clut*+ ,h& />t$ to obey4 ,!n he /opp$4 ,k5n$y 0 j ab\t to ?und]1 ,g on1 :5 ! crim9al calmly rem>k$1 ,y've got ,,me all "r1 ,k5n$y1 b 9 tw5ty m9utes ,ela9e ,dodge w be dead6 ,he said x ) a non*alance t might h deceiv$ anyone less a/ute ?an ,k5n$y4 ,sudd5ly !re fla%$ ov] ,craig ! words3 ,,! ,,trick ,,w ,,be ,,pull$ ,,(f ,,at ,,?ree ,o',,clock6 ,!re 0 no fake ab\t t4 ,k5n$y fr[n$4 ,if he kill$ ,clut*+ ,h&1 ,ela9e w\ld die4 ,if he f\ght1 he mu/ ei!r kill or be kill$4 ,if he h&$ ,clut*+ ,h& ov]1 all he _h to d 0 to keep quiet4 ,he look$ at 8 wat*4 ,x 0 tw5ty-five m9utes ( ?ree4 ,:at a situation6 ,he _h caught a prison] he d>$ n mole/--yet4 ,:at d y mean--tell me8 dem&$ ,k5n$y ) =c$ calm4 ,ye/]day ,mr4 ,b5nett b\ght a wri/ wat* = ,ela9e1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& said quietly4 ,!y left x to be regulat$4 ,"o ( my m5 b\ght "o j l x4 ,m9e 0 deliv]$ to h] today4 ,a likely /ory6 d\bt$ ,k5n$y4 ,= answ]1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& po9t$ to ! telephone4 ,k5n$y rea*$ = x4 ,"o ?+1 int]rupt$ ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,y are a man ( honor4 ,yes--yes4 ,g on4 ,if ,i tell y :at to d1 y mu/ promise to give me a fight+ *ance4 ,yes1 yes4 ,call up ,aunt ,joseph9e1 !n4 ,d j z ,i say4 ,cov]+ ,clut*+ ,h&1 ,k5n$y call$ a numb]4 ,?is is ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ,mrs4 ,dodge4 ,did ,ela9e receive a pres5t ( a wri/ wat* f ,mr4 ,b5nett8 ,yes1 %e repli$1 = h] bir?day4 ,x came ?is =5oon4 ,k5n$y hung up ! receiv] & fac$ ,clut*+ ,h& puzzl$ z ! latt] said1 ,call up ,m>t91 ! jewel]4 ,aga9 ,k5n$y obey$4 ,has ! wat* pur*as$ = ,miss ,ela9e ,dodge be5 deliv]$8 he ask$ ! cl]k4 ,no1 came back ! reply1 ! wat* ,mr4 ,b5nett b\ght is /ill "h be+ regulat$4 ,k5n$y hung up ! receiv]4 ,he 0 /unn$4 ,! wat* w cause h] dea? at ?ree o'clock1 said ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,swe> to leave "h )\t discov]+ my id5tity & ,i w tell y h[4 ,y c save h]6 ,a mom5t ,k5n$y ?\ght4 ,"h 0 a qu&>y4 ,no1 he %\t$1 seiz+ ! telephone4 ,be=e ,k5n$y c\ld move1 ,clut*+ ,h& _h pull$ ! telephone wires ) almo/ sup]human /r5g? f ! junction box4 ,9 t wat*1 he hiss$1 ,i h set a poison$ ne$le 9 a spr+ t w be releas$ & w plunge x into h] arm at exactly ?ree o'clock4 ,on ! ne$le is ric9us6 ,craig advanc$1 furi\s4 ,z he did s1 ,clut*+ ,h& po9t$ calmly to ! clock4 ,x 0 tw5ty m9utes ( ?ree6 ,) a m5tal /ruggle1 ,k5n$y controll$ 8 loa?+ ( ! creature be=e him4 ,all "r--b y'll he> f me--soon] ?an y suspect1 he %\t$1 />t+ = ! door4 ,!n he came back & lift$ 8 hat1 hid+ z mu* z possible ! sel5ium cell1 lett+ ! light fall on x4 ,only ,ela9e's life has sav$ y4 ,) a la/ ?reat he da%$ out4 ,he hail$ a cab1 return+ f "s /eam%ip :>ves n f> away4 ,quick6 he ord]$1 giv+ ! ,dodge address on ,fif? ,av5ue4 ,m9ute aft] m9ute ! police & ,i wait$4 ,0 any?+ wrong8 ,:]e 0 ,craig8 ,j !n a tremor grew into a t9kle1 !n came ! /rong burr ( ! bell4 ,k5n$y ne$$ u4 ,) a %\t ( enc\ragem5t to ! m5 ,i da%$ out & ov] to ! old h\se4 ,mean:ile ,clut*+ ,h& himself _h approa*$ ! table to recov] 8 weapon & _h notic$ ! que] little sel5ium cell4 ,he pick$ x up & = ! fir/ "t saw ! wire lead+ out4 ,! deuce6 he cri$4 ,he's plann$ to get me anyh[6 ,clut*+ ,h& ru%$ to ! door--!n /opp$ %ort4 ,outside he c\ld he> ! police & myself4 ,we _h %ot ! lock on ! outside & 7 already inside4 ,clut*+ ,h& slamm$ %ut 8 door & pull$ d[n ov] x a heavy wood5 b>4 ,a few /eps took him to ! w9d[4 ,!re 7 police 9 ! back y>d1 too4 ,he 0 surr\nd$4 ,b he did n hurry4 ,he knew :at to d ) e second4 ,at ! desk he paus$ & took out a piece ( c>dbo>d4 ,!n ) a heavy black m>k+ p5cil1 he calmly pr9t$ on x1 :ile we batt]$ at ! b>ricad$ door1 a few %ort feet away4 ,he laid ! sign on ! desk1 !n on ano!r piece ( c>dbo>d1 drew crudely a h& ) ! index f+]1 po9t+4 ,?is he plac$ on a *air1 indicat+ ! desk4 ,j z ! sway+ & bulg+ door gave way1 ,clut*+ ,h& gave ! desk a pull4 ,x op5$ up--8 getaway4 ,he clos$ x ) a s>donic smile 9 our direction1 j be=e ! door cra%$ 94 ,we look$ ab\t4 ,!re 0 n a s\l 9 ! room1 no?+ b ! sel5ium cell1 ! *airs1 ! desk4 ,look6 ,i cri$ cat*+ sight ( ! index f+]1 & go+ ov] to ! desk4 ,we roll$ back ! top4 ,!re on ! flat top 0 a sign3 ,de> ,blockheads3 ,k5n$y & ,i c\ldn't wait4 ,y\rs z ev]1 ,!n came t my/]i\s sign ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,we hunt$ ov] ! rooms1 b c\ld f9d no?+ t %[$ a clue4 ,:]e 0 ,clut*+ ,h&8 ,:]e 0 ,k5n$y8 ,9 ! next h\se ,clut*+ ,h& _h lit]ally come out ( an upright piano into ! room correspond+ to t he _h left4 ,ha/ily he ?rew (f 8 h&k]*ief1 sl\* hat1 old coat & tr\s]s4 ,a neat /rip$ pair ( tr\s]s replac$ ! old1 fray$ & baggy pair4 ,a new %irt1 !n a sporty ve/ & a frock coat foll[$4 ,z he put ! f9i%+ t\*es on1 he look$ = all ! _w l a be:isk]$ =eign]4 ,) a silk hat & /ick1 he survey$ himself1 /raight5+ 8 tie4 ,at ! door ( ! new headqu>t]s1 a few seconds lat]1 ,i /ood ) ! police4 ,n a sign ( him any:]e1 gr[l$ "o ( ! (fic]s4 ,nor 0 !re4 ,d[n ! /reet we c\ld see only a /raight well-dress$1 di/+ui%$ look+ man :o _h evid5tly walk$ d[n to ! docks to see a fri5d (f1 p]haps4 ,ela9e 0 sitt+ 9 ! libr>y read+ :5 ,aunt ,joseph9e turn$ to h]4 ,:at "t is x1 de>8 %e ask$4 ,ela9e glanc$ at h] pretty new tr9ket4 ,ne>ly ?ree1 ,auntie--a c\ple ( m9utes1 %e said4 ,j !n !re came ! s\nd ( feet runn+ madly d[n ! hall way4 ,!y jump$ up1 />tl$4 ,k5n$y1 8 coat fly+1 & hat jamm$ ov] 8 eyes1 _h almo/ b[l$ ov] poor ,j5n+s 9 8 mad race d[n ! hall4 ,well1 dem&$ ,ela9e haughtily1 :at's-- ,be=e %e knew :at 0 go+ on1 ,craig hurri$ up to h] & lit]ally ripp$ ! wat* (f h] wri/1 break+ ! beautiful bracelet4 ,he held x up1 g+]ly4 ,ela9e 0 spee*less4 ,0 ?is ,k5n$y8 ,0 he possess$ by su* an inord9ate jeal\sy ( ,b5nett8 ,z he held ! wat* up1 ! second h& tick$ ar\nd & ! m9ute h& pass$ ! m]idian ( ! h\r4 ,a vici\sly %>p little ne$le gleam$ out--!n sprang back into ! filigree "w aga94 ,well1 %e gasp$ aga91 :at's ! occasion ( ,,?is8 ,craig gaz$ at ,ela9e 9 sil5ce4 ,%\ld he def5d 8 rud5ess1 if %e did n und]/&8 ,%e /amp$ h] foot1 & repeat$ ! "q a ?ird "t4 ,:at d y mean1 sir1 by su* conduct8 ,sl[ly he b[$4 ,i j don't l ! k9d ( bir?day pres5ts y receive1 he said1 turn+ on 8 heel4 ,good aft]noon4 ,,*apt] ,,xii ,,! ,,blood ,,cry/als ,on y\r "r is ! resid5ce ( ,miss ,ela9e ,dodge1 ! heiress1 :o is pursu+ ! fam\s ma/] crim9al kn[n z ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,! b>k] _h be5 gr&iloqu5tly po9t+ out ! resid5ces ( not$ ,new ,york]s z ! big sightsee+ c> lumb]$ along ?r\gh ! /reets4 ,! c> 0 fill$ ) p & he pli$ 8 megaphone z ?\gh he 7 on intimate t]ms ) all ! city's notables4 ,no "o paid any att5tion to ! unobtrusive ,*9aman :o sat inconspicu\sly 9 ! middle ( ! c>4 ,he 0 ,mr4 ,long ,s91 b no "o saw any?+ p>ticul>ly my/]i\s ab\t an ori5tal visitor m or less view+ ,new ,york ,city4 ,long 0 ( ! m&>9 type1 ) droop+ mu/a*e1 well dress$ 9 ,am]ican clo!s1 & con=m+ to ! new cu/oms ( an occid5taliz$ ,*9a4 ,anyone1 h[ev]1 :o _h be5 wat*+ ,long ,s9 w\ld h se5 t he %[$ mu* int]e/ :5ev] any ( ! weal?y resid5ts ( ! city 7 m5tion$4 ,! "n ( ,ela9e ,dodge seem$ p>ticul>ly to /rike him4 ,he li/5$ ) subtle int]e/ to :at ! b>k] said & look$ ke5ly at ! ,dodge h\se4 ,! sight-see+ c> _h pass$ ! h\se1 :5 he rose sl[ly & motion$ t he want$ to be let (f4 ,! c> /opp$1 he alight$ & sl[ly rambl$ away1 evid5tly m>vell+ greatly at ! /range cu/oms ( ^! unc\? we/]n]s4 ,ela9e 0 go+ out1 :5 %e met ,p]ry ,b5nett almo/ on ! /eps ( ! h\se4 ,i've br\ght y ! wat*1 rem>k$ ,b5nett2 ?\ght ,i'd l to give x to y myself4 ,he display$ ! wat* :i* he himself _h b\ght a c\ple ( days be=e = h] bir?day4 ,he _h call$ = x himself at ! jewell]'s :]e x _h n[ be5 regulat$4 ,oh1 ?ank y1 exclaim$ ,ela9e4 ,won't y come 98 ,!y _h sc>cely greet$ ea* o!r1 :5 ,long ,s9 /roll$ along4 ,nei!r ( !m1 h[ev]1 _h "t to notice ! quiet ,*9aman :o pass$ ! h\se1 look+ at ,ela9e %>ply out ( ! corn] ( 8 eye4 ,!y ent]$ & ,long disappe>$ d[n ! /reet4 ,isn't x a beauty8 cri$ ,ela9e1 hold+ x out f h]1 z !y ent]$ ! libr>y & exam9+ x ) great appreciation4 ,&1 oh1 d y "k1 ! /range/ ?+ happ5$ ye/]day8 ,sometimes ,mr4 ,k5n$y acts too que]ly = any?+4 ,%e relat$ h[ ,craig _h bur/ 9 on h] & ,aunt ,joseph9e & _h almo/ torn ! o!r wat* (f h] wri/4 ,ano!r wat*8 repeat$ ,b5nett1 amaz$4 ,x mu/ h be5 a mi/ake4 ,k5n$y is crazy4 ,i don't und]/& x1 myself1 murmur$ ,ela9e4 ,long ,s9 _h cont9u$ 8 placid way1 revolv+ "s d>k & devi\s plan b5ea? 8 impassive ,ori5tal c\nt5ance4 ,he 0 no ord9>y p]sonage4 ,9 fact he 0 a/ute en\gh to h no record4 ,he left t to 8 tools4 ,?is rem>kable crim9al _h e/abli%$ himself 9 a hir$ ap>tm5t d[nt[n4 ,x 0 furni%$ 9 r elegant ,am]ican /yle1 b he _h add$ to x "s mo/ valuable ,ori5tal curios :i* gave x a fasc9at+ appe>ance4 ,long ,s91 n[ 9 ri* ,ori5tal co/ume1 0 recl9+ on a divan smok+ a /range look+ pipe & play+ ) two pet :ite rats4 ,ea* :ite rat _h a gold b& ar\nd 8 leg1 to :i* 0 connect$ a gold *a9 ab\t a foot 9 l5g?1 & ! *a9s end$ 9 r+s :i* 7 slipp$ ov] ,long's little f+]s4 ,ord9>ily1 he c>ri$ ! pets up ! capaci\s sleeve ( ea* arm4 ,a s]vant1 also 9 native co/ume1 ent]$ & b[$ def]5tially4 ,a ,miss ,m>y ,c>son1 %e lisp$ 9 s(t ,engli%4 ,let ! lady ent]1 wav$ ,long ,s91 ) a smile ( subtle satisfaction4 ,! girl b[$ aga9 & sil5tly left ! room1 return+ ) a h&some1 v well dress$ :ite woman4 ,x w\ld be difficult to analyze j :at ! fasc9ation 0 t ,long ,s9 ex]cis$ ov] ,m>y ,c>son4 ,b z ! s]vant left ! room1 ,m>y b[$ almo/ z def]5tially z ! little ,*9ese girl4 ,long m]ely nodd$ 9 reply4 ,aft] a mom5t1 he sl[ly rose & took f a draw] a newspap] clipp+4 ,)\t a ^w1 he h&$ x to ,m>y4 ,%e look$ at x ) int]e/1 z "o woman always does at ! picture ( ano!r pretty woman4 ,x 0 a newspap] cut ( ,ela9e1 "u :i* 03 ,,ela9e ,,dodge1 ,,! ,,heiress1 ,,^: ,,battle ,,) ,,! ,,clut*+ ,,h& ,,is ,,creat+ ,,_w ,,wide ,,int]e/4 ,n[1 he began1 at la/1 break+ ! sil5ce1 ,i'll %[ y j :at ,i want y to d4 ,he w5t ov] to ! wall & took d[n a curi\s long ,*9ese knife f a scabb>d :i* hung !re conspicu\sly4 ,see t8 he add$1 hold+ x up4 ,be=e %e c\ld say a ^w1 he _h plung$ ! knife1 app>5tly1 into 8 own brea/4 ,oh6 cri$ ,m>y1 />tl$4 ,%e expect$ to see him fall4 ,b no?+ happ5$4 ,long ,s9 laugh$4 ,x 0 an ,ori5tal trick knife 9 :i* ! blade telescop$ into ! h&le4 ,look at x1 he add$1 h&+ x to h]4 ,long ,s9 took a bladd] ( wat] f a table ne>by & conceal$ x "u 8 coat4 ,n[1 y /ab me1 he direct$4 ,m>y hesitat$4 ,b he repeat$ ! comm& & %e plung$ ! knife g+]ly at him4 ,x telescop$4 ,he made h] try x ov] & %e /abb$ m resolutely4 ,! wat] f ! bladd] p\r$ out4 ,good6 cri$ ,long ,s91 mu* pleas$4 ,n[1 he add$1 seat+ himself beside h]1 ,i want y to lure ,ela9e "h4 ,m>y look$ at him inquir+ly z he return$ ! knife to its scabb>d on ! wall4 ,rememb] :]e x is1 he cont9u$4 ,n[1 if y w come into ! o!r room ,i w %[ y h[ to get h]4 ,i _h be5 amus+ myself by rigg+ up a contrivance by :i* ,i c\ld make x possible to see ?r\gh or r ov]1 a door4 ,! idea _h be5 sugge/$ to me by ! cy/oscope :i* physicians use 9 ord] to look d[n "o's ?roat1 & ,i _h calculat$ t by us+ ?ree mirrors plac$ at prop] angles1 ,i c\ld easily reflect rays d[n to ! level ( my eye4 ,k5n$y1 :o _h be5 busy 9 ! o!r end ( ! laboratory1 happ5$ to look ov] 9 my direction4 ,:at's ! big idea1 ,walt]8 he ask$4 ,x 01 ,i admit1 a r cumb]some & clumsy affair4 ,well1 y see1 ,craig1 ,i expla9$1 y put ! top mirror ?r\gh ! transom ( a door &-- ,k5n$y int]rupt$ ) a he>ty bur/ ( laught]4 ,b suppose ! door has no transom8 he ask$1 po9t+ to our own door4 ,i scrat*$ my head1 ?\ghtfully4 ,i _h assum$ t ! door w\ld h a transom4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,craig w5t to ! cab9et & drew out a tube ab\t z big ar\nd z a putty bl[] & z long4 ,n[1 "h's :at ,i call my detectascope1 he rem>k$4 ,none ( y\r mirrors = me4 ,i "k1 ,i said some:at nettl$1 b :at c y see ?r\gh t putty bl[]8 ,a key hole is j z good4 ,d y realize h[ little y c really see ?r\gh a key hole8 he repli$ confid5tly4 ,try x ov] !re4 ,i did & to tell ! tru? ,i c\ld see m]ely a little "p ( ! hall4 ,!n ,k5n$y ins]t$ ! detectascope4 ,look ?r\gh t1 he direct$4 ,i put my eye to ! eye-piece & gaz$ ?r\gh ! bulg+ l5s ( ! o!r end4 ,i c\ld see almo/ ! :ole hall4 ,t1 he expla9$1 is :at is kn[n z a fi%-eye l5s--a l5s t looks ?r\gh an angle ( "s #ahj degrees1 almo/ twice t ( ! wide/ angle l5s ,i "k (4 ,i said no?+1 b toss$ my own crude inv5tion into ! corn]1 :ile ,craig w5t back to "w4 ,ela9e 0 play+ ) ,ru/y :5 ,j5n+s br\ght 9 a c>d on :i* 0 engrav$ ! "n1 ,miss ,m>y ,c>son1 & und]nea?1 9 p5cil1 0 writt5 ,belgian ,relief ,committee4 ,h[ int]e/+1 comm5t$ ,ela9e1 ris+ & accompany+ ,j5n+s back into ! draw+ room4 ,i wond] :at %e wants4 ,v pleas$ to meet y1 ,miss ,c>son1 %e greet$ h] visitor4 ,y see1 ,miss ,dodge1 began ,m>y1 we're gett+ up ?is movem5t to help ! ,belgians & we h spl5did back+4 ,j let me %[ y "s ( ! names on our committee4 ,%e h&$ ,ela9e a li/ :i* read3 ,,belgian ,,relief ,,committee ,mrs4 ,w>burton ,fi% ,mrs4 ,hamilton ,beekman ,mrs4 ,c4 ,augu/ ,iselm ,mrs4 ,belmont ,riv+ton ,mrs4 ,rup]t ,solvay4 ,i've j be5 s5t to see if ,i _c p]suade y to jo9 ! committee & att5d a meet+ at ,mrs4 ,riv+ton's1 %e w5t on4 ,:y1 er1 consid]$ ,ela9e ?\ghtfully1 er--yes4 ,x mu/ be all "r ) su* p 9 x4 ,c y g ) me n[8 ,j z well z lat]1 agre$ ,ela9e4 ,!y w5t out toge!r1 &1 z !y 7 leav+ ! h\se a man :o _h be5 loit]+ outside look$ at ,ela9e1 !n fix$ly at h] companion4 ,no soon] _h !y gone ?an he sp$ (f to a c> wait+ ar\nd ! corn]4 ,9 ! d>k dep?s 0 a s9i/] figure1 ! ma/] crim9al himself4 ,! wat*] _h be5 an emiss>y ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,*ief1 he :isp]$ eag]ly1 ,y "k ,adv5turess ,m>y8 ,well1 %e's got ,ela9e ,dodge 9 t[6 ,! deuce6 cri$ ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,!n we mu/ tea* ,m>y ,c>son1 or :oev] %e is work+ =1 a lesson4 ,no "o %all int]f]e ) our affairs4 ,foll[ !m6 ,ela9e & ,m>y _h gone d[nt[n1 talk+ animat$ly1 & walk$ d[n ! av5ue t[>d ,mrs4 ,riv+ton's ap>tm5t4 ,mean:ile1 ,long ,s91 /ill 9 8 ,*9ese co/ume1 0 expla9+ to ! s]vant j :at he wi%$ done1 po9t+ out ! dagg] on ! wall & replac+ ! bladd] "u 8 jacket4 ,a box ( opium 0 on ! table1 & he 0 giv+ mo/ explicit directions4 ,x 0 into su* a web t ,ela9e 0 be+ unwitt+ly l$ by ,m>y4 ,ent]+ ! hallway ( ! ap>tm5t1 ,m>y rang ! bell4 ,long he>d x4 ,answ] x1 he direct$ ! s]vant :o ha/5$ to d s1 :ile ,long glid$ l a s]p5t into a back room4 ,! s]vant op5$ ! door & ,ela9e & ,m>y ent]$4 ,he clos$ ! door & almo/ be=e !y knew lock$ x & 0 gone into ! back room4 ,ela9e gaz$ ab\t 9 trepidation4 ,b be=e %e c\ld say any?+1 ,m>y1 ) a great %[ ( surprise1 exclaim$1 ,:y1 ,i mu/ h made a mi/ake4 ,?is isn't ,mrs4 ,riv+ton's ap>tm5t4 ,h[ /upid ( me4 ,!y look$ at ea* o!r a mom5t4 ,!n ea* laugh$ n]v\sly1 z toge!r !y />t$ to g out ( ! door4 ,x 0 lock$6 ,quickly !y ran to ano!r door4 ,x 0 lock$1 also4 ,!n !y w5t to ! w9d[s4 ,beh9d ! curta9s !y 7 b>r$ & look$ out on a blank brick wall 9 a little c\rt4 ,oh1 cri$ ,m>y wr++ h] h&s1 /rick5 9 mock panic1 oh1 ,i'm s fright5$4 ,?is may be ! d5 ( ,*9ese :ite slav]s6 ,%e _h pick$ up "s ,*9ese articles on a table1 includ+ ! box t ,long _h left !re4 ,x _h a peculi> odor4 ,opium6 %e :isp]$1 %[+ x to ,ela9e4 ,! two look$ at ea* o!r1 ,ela9e g5u9ely worri$ n[4 ,j !n1 ! ,*9aman ent]$ & /ood a mom5t gaz+ at !m4 ,!y turn$ & ,ela9e recoil$ f him4 ,long b[$4 ,oh sir1 cri$ ,m>y1 ,we've made a mi/ake4 ,c't y tell u h[ to get out8 ,long's only answ] 0 to spread out 8 h&s 9 polite deprecation & %rug 8 suave %\ld]s4 ,no speke ,englis1 he said1 glid+ out aga9 f ! room & clos+ ! door4 ,ela9e & ,m>y look$ ab\t 9 despair4 ,:at %all we d8 ask$ ,ela9e4 ,m>y said no?+1 b ) a ha/y glance discov]$ on ! wall ! knife :i* ,long _h already told h] ab\t4 ,%e took x f its scabb>d4 ,z %e did s ! ,*9aman return$ ) a tray on :i* 7 que] dr9ks & glasses4 ,at ! sight ( ,m>y ) ! knife he sc[l$ blackly1 laid ! tray d[n1 & took a few /eps 9 h] direction4 ,%e br&i%$ ! knife ?reat5+ly1 !n1 z if h] n]ve fail$ h]1 fa9t$ lett+ ! knife fall c>efully on ! floor s t x /ruck on ! h&le & n on ! blade4 ,long quickly caught h] z %e fa9t$ & c>ri$ h] out ( ! room1 bang+ %ut ! door4 ,ela9e foll[$ 9 a mom5t1 loyally1 to protect h] suppos$ fri5d1 b f\nd t ! door _h a snap lock on ! o!r side4 ,%e look$ ab\t wildly & 9 a mom5t ,long reappe>$4 ,z he advanc$ sl[ly & ins9uat+ly1 %e drew back1 plead+4 ,b h] words fell on seem+ly deaf e>s4 ,%e _h pick$ up ! knife :i* ,m>y _h dropp$ & :5 at la/ ,long maneuvr$ to get h] corn]$ & 0 ab\t to seize h]1 %e n]v$ h]self up & /abb$ him resolutely4 ,long /agg]$ back--& fell4 ,z he did s1 he press$ ! bladd] :i* he _h already plac$ "u 8 coat4 ,a d>k r$ fluid1 l blood1 ooz$ out all ov] him & ran 9 a pool on ! floor4 ,ela9e1 too horror-/rick5 at :at _h happ5$ ev5 to scream1 dropp$ ! knife & b5t ov] him4 ,he did n move4 ,%e /agg]$ back & ran ?r\gh ! n[ op5 door4 ,z %e did s1 ,long seem$ sudd5ly to come to life4 ,he rais$ himself & look$ aft] h]1 !n ) a subtle smile sank back into 8 =m] assum$ po/ure on ! floor4 ,:5 ,ela9e rea*$ ! o!r room1 %e f\nd ,m>y !re ) ! ,*9ese s]vant :o 0 giv+ h] a glass ( wat]4 ,at ! sight ( h]1 ! s]vant paus$1 !n )drew into ano!r room fur!r back4 ,m>y1 n[ app>5tly recov]+ f h] fa9tness1 smil$ wanly at ,ela9e4 ,x's all "r1 %e murmur$4 ,he is a ,*9ese pr9ce :o ?\ght we 7 call]s4 ,at ! reassur+ nod ( ,m>y t[>d ! front room1 ,ela9e 0 ov]come4 ,i--,i kill$ him6 %e manag$ to gasp4 ,:at8 cri$ ,m>y1 />t+ up & trembl+ viol5tly4 ,y kill$ him8 ,yes1 sobb$ ,ela9e1 he came at me--,i _h ! knife--,i /ruck at him-- ,! two girls ran into ! o!r room4 ,!re ,m>y look$ at ! motionless body on ! floor & recoil$1 horrifi$4 ,ela9e notic+ "s spots on h] h&s & see+ t !y 7 /a9$ by ! blood ( ,long ,s91 wip$ ! spots (f on h] hank]*ief1 dropp+ x on ! floor4 ,ugh6 exclaim$ a guttural voice beh9d !m4 ,x 0 ! s]vant :o _h come 94 ,ev5 8 ord9>ily impassive ,ori5tal face c\ld n conceal ! horror & fe> at ! sight ( 8 ma/] ly+ on ! floor 9 a pool ( gore4 ,ela9e 0 n[ m fright5$ ?an ev]1 if t 7 possible4 ,y--kill him--) knife8 ins9uat$ ! ,*9ese4 ,ela9e 0 dumb4 ,! s]vant did n wait = an answ]1 b ha/ily op5$ ! hall door4 ,to ,ela9e x seem$ t some?+ mu/ be done quickly4 ,a mom5t & all ! h\se w\ld be 9 upro>4 ,in/ead1 he plac$ 8 f+] on 8 lips4 ,quick--no ^w1 he said1 lead+ ! way to ! hall door1 &--y mu/ n leave t--x w be a clue1 he add$1 pick+ up ! bloody h&k]*ief & press+ x into ,ela9e's h&4 ,!y quickly ran out into ! hall4 ,g--quick6 he urg$ aga91 & hide ! h&k]*ief 9 ! bag4 ,let no "o see x6 ,he %ut ! door4 ,z !y hurri$ away1 ,ela9e brea!d a sigh ( relief4 ,:y did he let u g1 ?\gh8 %e :isp]$1 h] head 9 a :irl4 ,i don't "k1 pant$ ,m>y1 b anyh[1 ?ank heav51 we are out ( x4 ,come1 %e add$1 tak+ ,ela9e's arm1 n a s\l has se5 u except ! s]vant4 ,let u get away z quietly z we c4 ,!y _h rea*$ ! /reet4 ,afraid to run1 !y hurri$ z fa/ z !y c\ld until !y turn$ ! fir/ corn]4 ,ela9e look$ back4 ,no "o 0 pursu+4 ,we mu/ sep>ate1 add$ ,m>y4 ,let u g diff]5t ways4 ,i w see y lat]4 ,p]haps !y w ?9k "s enemy has murd]$ him4 ,!y press$ ea* o!r's h&s & p>t$4 ,mean:ile 9 ! front room1 ,long ,s9 0 on 8 feet aga9 bru%+ himself (f & mopp+ up ! blood4 ,x work$ v well1 ,sam1 he said to ! s]vant4 ,!y 7 conv]s+ eag]ly & laugh+ & did n he> a noise 9 ! back room4 ,a s9i/] figure _h made its way by means ( a fire-escape to a re> w9d[ t 0 n b>r$1 & sil5tly he _h /ol5 9 on !m4 ,cat-l1 he advanc$1 b in/ead ( /rik+ at !m1 he quietly took a seat 9 a *air close beh9d !m1 a magaz9e revolv] 9 8 h&4 ,!y turn$ at a slight noise & saw him4 ,g5u9e fright 0 n[ on _! faces z !y look$ at him1 op5 m\!d4 ,:at's all ?is8 he gr[l$4 ,i am kn[n z ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,i all[ no int]f]5ces ) my affairs4 ,tell me :at y are do+ "h ) ,ela9e ,dodge4 ,_! beady almond eyes fla%$ fe>4 ,clut*+ ,h& mov$ m5ac+ly4 ,!re 0 no?+ = ! a/ute ,long ,s9 to d b to submit4 ,c[$ by ! well-kn[n p[] ( ! ma/] crim9al1 he took ,clut*+ ,h& into 8 confid5ce4 ,) a l[ b[1 ,long ,s9 spread out 8 h&s 9 surr5d] & submission4 ,i w tell y1 honorable sir1 he said at l5g?4 ,g on6 gr[l$ ! crim9al4 ,quickly ,long rehe>s$ :at _h happ5$1 f ! mom5t ! idea ( blackmail _h ent]$ 8 head4 ,h[ ab\t ,m>y ,c>son8 ask$ ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,i saw h] "h4 ,long gave a glance ( almo/ sup]/iti\s dread at ! man1 z if he _h an evil eye4 ,%e w be back--is "h n[1 he add$1 op5+ ! door at a knock & admitt+ h]4 ,adv5turess ,m>y _h hurri$ back to see t all 0 "r4 ,?is "t ,m>y 0 g5u9ely sc>$ at ! =bidd+ figure ( :i* %e _h he>d4 ,x is all "r1 pacifi$ ,long4 ,h5ce=? we "w ) ! honorable ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,clut*+ ,h& cont9u$ to emphasize 8 dem&s on !m1 punctuat+ 8 s5t5ces by fl\ri%es ( ! gun z he gave !m ! signs & passwords :i* w\ld enable !m to "w ) 8 own emiss>ies4 ,x 0 a /range initiation4 ,at home at la/1 ,ela9e sank d[n into a deep libr>y *air & />$ /raight ahead4 ,%e saw visions ( arre/ & trial1 ( ! t]rible electric *air ) h]self 9 x1 b\nd1 & ( ! giv+ ( ! fatal signal = turn+ on ! curr5t4 ,7 su* ?+s z ^! go+ to happ5 to h]1 )\t ,k5n$y's help8 ,:y _h !y qu>rel$8 ,%e buri$ h] face 9 h] h&s & wept4 ,!n %e c\ld /& x no long]4 ,%e _h n tak5 (f h] /reet clo!s4 ,%e rose & almo/ fl$ f ! h\se4 ,k5n$y & ,i 7 /ill 9 ! laboratory :5 a knock s\nd$ at ! door4 ,i w5t to ! door & op5$ x4 ,!re /ood ,ela9e ,dodge4 ,x 0 a complete surprise to ,craig4 ,!re 0 sil5ce betwe5 !m = a mom5t & !y m]ely look$ at ea* o!r4 ,ela9e 0 pale & woebegone4 ,at la/ ,k5n$y took a quick /ep t[>d h] & l$ h] to a *air4 ,/ill he felt a sort ( con/ra9t4 ,:at ,,is ! matt]8 he ask$ at l5g?4 ,%e hesitat$1 !n sudd5ly bur/ out1 ,craig--,i--,i am--a murd]ess6 ,i h nev] se5 su* a look on ,craig's face4 ,i "k he want$ to laugh & say1 ,,y--a murd]ess8 yet he w\ld n h (f5d$ ev5 h] self accusation = ! _w4 ,he manag$ to d ! "r ?+ & say no?+4 ,!n %e p\r$ =? ! /ory sub/antially z ,i h set x d[n1 b )\t ! explanation :i* at t "t 0 n kn[n to any ( u4 ,oh1 expo/ulat$ ,craig1 !re mu/ be "s mi/ake4 ,x's impossible--impossible4 ,no1 %e ass]t$4 ,look--"h's my h&k]*ief all spott$ ) blood4 ,%e op5$ ! bag & display$ ! blood-spott$ h&k]*ief4 ,he took x & exam9$ x c>efully4 ,ela9e1 he said e>ne/ly1 n at all displeas$1 ,i c\ld see t some?+ _h come up t might blot out ! pa/ un=tunate misund]/&+1 !re simply mu/ be some?+ wrong "h4 ,leave ?is h&k]*ief ) me4 ,i'll d my be/4 ,!re 0 /ill a little re/ra9t betwe5 !m4 ,%e 0 almo/ ready to beg 8 p>don1 = all ! coolness !re _h be5 betwe5 !m1 yet /ill hesitat$4 ,?ank y1 %e said simply z %e left ! laboratory4 ,craig w5t to "w abruptly )\t a ^w4 ,on ! laboratory table he plac$ 8 spl5did microscope & sev]al cases ( slides z well z innum]able micro-photographs4 ,he _h be5 work+ = "s "t :5 he look$ up4 ,ev] he> ( ,dr4 ,edw>d ,rei*]t ( ! ,univ]sity ( ,p5nsylvania & 8 wond]ful discov]ies ( h[ blood cry/als v>y 9 diff]5t species8 he ask$4 ,i _h n1 b did n admit x4 ,well1 he w5t on1 !re is a blood te/ s delicate t "o might almo/ say t he c\ld id5tify a crim9al by ! f+] pr9ts1 s to speak1 ( 8 blood cry/als4 ,! hemoglob9 or r$ color+ matt] =ms cry/als & ! v>iations ( ^! cry/als bo? 9 =m & molecul> con/ruction are su* t !y set ap>t e species ( animal f e o!r1 & ev5 ! races ( m5--p]haps may ev5 set ap>t individuals4 ,"h1 ,walt]1 we h sample ( human blood cry/als4 ,i look$ ?r\gh ! microscope z he direct$4 ,!re ,i c\ld see ! cry/als %>ply def9$4 ,& "h1 he add$1 are ! cry/als ( ! blood on ,ela9e's h&k]*ief4 ,i look$ aga9 z he *ang$ ! slides4 ,!re 0 a m>k$ diff]5ce & ,i look$ up at him quickly4 ,x is dog's blood--n human blood1 he said simply4 ,i look$ aga9 at ! two sets ( slides4 ,!re c\ld be no d\bt t !re 0 a pla9 diff]5ce4 ,wond]ful6 ,i exclaim$4 ,yes--wond]ful1 he agre$1 b :at's ! game back ( all ?is--t's ! ma9 "q n[4 ,long aft] ,clut*+ ,h& _h left1 ,long ,s9 0 giv+ in/ructions to 8 s]vant & ,adv5turess ,m>y j h[ he _h _h to *ange 8 plans z a result ( ! unexpect$ visit4 ,v well1 nodd$ ,m>y z %e left him1 ,i w d z y say--tru/ me4 ,x 0 n mu* lat]1 !n1 t ,ela9e receiv$ a second visit f ,m>y4 ,%[ h] 91 ,j5n+s1 %e said to ! butl] n]v\sly4 ,inde$1 %e felt t e eye mu/ be ^u h]4 ,ev5 ,j5n+s w\ld "k ( h] guilt soon4 ,anxi\sly1 !re=e1 ,ela9e look$ at h] visitor4 ,d y "k :y ! s]vant all[$ u to leave ! ap>tm5t8 :isp]$ ,m>y ) a glance ab\t fe>fully1 z if ! walls _h e>s4 ,no--:y8 inquir$ ,ela9e anxi\sly4 ,he's a tong man :o has be5 *os5 to d away ) ! ,pr9ce4 ,he foll[$ me1 & says y h done 8 "w = him4 ,if y w give him t5 ?\s& doll>s = exp5ses1 he w att5d to hid+ ! body4 ,"h at lea/ 0 a way out4 ,b d y ?9k t is all "r8 ,c he d x8 ask$ ,ela9e eag]ly4 ,d x8 ,:y ^? tong m5 c d any?+ = money4 ,only "o mu/ be c>eful n to (f5d !m4 ,m>y 0 v conv9c+4 ,yes1 ,i suppose y are "r1 agre$ ,ela9e1 f9ally4 ,i _h bett] d z y say4 ,x is ! safe/ way out ( ! tr\ble4 ,yes1 ,i'll d x4 ,i'll /op at ! bank n[ & get ! money4 ,!y rose & ,m>y prec$$ h]1 eag] to get away f ! h\se4 ,at ! door1 h[ev]1 ,ela9e ask$ h] to wait :ile %e ran back on "s pretext4 ,9 ! libr>y %e took (f ! receiv] ( ! telephone & quickly call$ a numb]4 ,our telephone rang 9 ! middle ( our conv]sation on blood cry/als & ,k5n$y himself answ]$ x4 ,x 0 ,ela9e ask+ ,craig's advice4 ,!y h (f]$ to hu% ! ?+ up = t5 ?\s& doll>s1 %e said1 9 a muffl$ voice4 ,%e seem$ b5t on do+ x & no am\nt ( argum5t f him c\ld /op h]4 ,%e simply refus$ to accept ! evid5ce ( ! blood cry/als z bett] ?an :at h] own eyes told h] %e _h se5 & done4 ,!n wait = half an h\r1 he answ]$1 )\t argu+ fur!r4 ,y c d t )\t excit+ suspicion4 ,g ) h] to h] hotel & h& h] ov] ! money4 ,all "r--,i'll d x1 %e agre$4 ,:at is ! hotel8 ,craig wrote on a slip ( pap] :at %e told him--,room #eji1 ,hotel ,la ,co/e4 ,good--,i'm glad y call$ me4 ,c\nt on me1 he f9i%$ z he hung up ! receiv]4 ,ha/ily he ?rew on 8 /reet coat4 ,g into ! back room & get me t brace & bit1 ,walt]1 he ask$4 ,i did s4 ,:5 ,i return$1 ,i saw t he _h plac$ ! detectascope & "s o!r /uff 9 a bag4 ,he %ov$ 9 ! brace & bit also4 ,come on--hurry6 he urg$4 ,we mu/ h made record "t 9 gett+ to ! ,co/e4 ,x 0 an ornate place1 :]e m]ely to brea! 0 exp5sive4 ,we ent]$ & by "s excuse ,k5n$y contriv$ to get pa/ ! vigilant bellhops4 ,we pass$ ! telephone swit*bo>d & ent]$ ! elevator1 gett+ (f at ! fif? floor4 ,) a ha/y glance up & d[n ! corridor1 to make sure no "o 0 ab\t1 ,k5n$y came to room #eji1 !n pass$ to ! next1 #eaa1 op5+ ! door ) a skeleton key4 ,we ent]$ & ,craig lock$ ! door beh9d u4 ,x 0 an ord9>y hotel room1 b well-furni%$4 ,=tunately x 0 unoccupi$4 ,quietly ,craig w5t to ! door :i* l$ to ! next room4 ,x 01 ( c\rse1 lock$ also4 ,he li/5$ a mom5t c>efully4 ,n a s\nd4 ,quickly1 ) an exclamation ( satisfaction1 he op5$ t door also & w5t into #eji4 ,?is room 0 mu* l t 9 :i* we _h already be54 ,he op5$ ! hall door4 ,wat* "h1 ,walt]1 he direct$1 ,let me "k at ! slighte/ al>m4 ,craig _h already tak5 ! brace & bit f ! bag & />t$ to bore ?r\gh ! wall into room #eaa1 select+ a spot beh9d a picture ( a ,spani% danc]--a spot directly back ( h] snapp+ black eyes4 ,he f9i%$ quickly & ins]t$ ! detectascope s t ! l5s fitt$ z an eye 9 ! picture4 ,! eye piece 0 9 ,room #eaa4 ,!n he />t$ to bru% up ! pieces ( pla/] on ! floor4 ,craig1 ,i :isp]$ ha/ily z ,i he>d an elevator door1 someone's com+6 ,he hurri$ to ! door & look$4 ,!re !y are1 he said1 z we saw ,ela9e & ,m>y r\nd+ ! corn] ( ! hall4 ,across ! hall1 al?\gh we did n "k x at ! "t1 9 room #edj1 already1 ,long ,s9 _h tak5 up 8 /ation1 j to be h&y4 ,!re he _h be5 ) 8 s]vant1 play+ ) 8 two tra9$ :ite rats4 ,long plac$ !m up 8 capaci\s sleeves & c>efully op5$ ! door to look out4 ,un=tunately he1 0 j 9 "t to see ! door ( #eji op5 & disclose u4 ,8 subtle glance detect$ our pres5ce )\t our kn[+ x4 ,ha/ily pick+ up ! brace & bit & ! re/ ( ! debris1 & ) a la/ look at ! detectascope1 :i* 0 h>dly noticeable1 ev5 if "o already knew x 0 !re1 we hurri$ into #eaa & %ut ! door4 ,k5n$y m\nt$ a *air & appli$ 8 eye to ! detectascope4 ,j !n ,m>y & ,ela9e ent]$ ! next room1 ,m>y op5+ ! door ) a regul> key4 ,won't y /ep 98 %e ask$4 ,ela9e did s & ,m>y hesitat$ 9 ! hall4 ,long ,s9 _h slipp$ out on noiseless feet & tak5 refuge beh9d "s curta9s4 ,z he saw h] alone1 he beckon$ to ,m>y4 ,!re's a /rang] 9 ! next room1 he :isp]$4 ,i don't l him4 ,take ! money & z quickly z possible get out & g to my ap>tm5t4 ,at ! news t !re 0 a suspici\s /rang] ab\t1 ,m>y %[$ great al>m4 ,ev]y?+ 0 s rapid1 n[1 t ! slighte/ hesitation meant disa/]4 ,p]haps1 by quickness1 ev5 a suspici\s /rang] c\ld be fool$1 %e reason$4 ,at any rate1 ,long ,s9 0 res\rceful4 ,%e _h bett] tru/ him4 ,m>y foll[$ ,ela9e into ! room1 :]e %e _h seat$ h]self already1 & lock$ ! door4 ,h y ! money !re8 %e ask$4 ,yes1 nodd$ ,ela9e1 tak+ out ! package ( bills :i* %e _h got f ! bank dur+ ! half h\r delay4 ,all ?is we c\ld see by gaz+ alt]nately ?r\gh ! detectascope4 ,ela9e h&$ ,m>y ! money4 ,m>y c\nt$ x sl[ly4 ,at la/ %e look$ up4 ,x's all "r1 %e said4 ,n[1 ,i'll take ?is to t tong lead]--he's 9 a room only j across ! hall4 ,%e w5t out4 ,k5n$y at ! detectascope 0 v excit$ z ?is w5t on4 ,he n[ jump$ (f ! *air on :i* he _h be5 /&+ & ru%$ to ! door to head h] (f4 ,to our surprise1 9 spite ( ! fact t we c\ld turn ! key 9 ! lock1 x 0 impossible to op5 x6 ,x 0 only a mom5t t ,craig paus$ at ! door4 ,! next mom5t he bur/ into #eji1 foll[$ closely by me4 ,) a scream1 ,ela9e 0 on h] feet 9 an in/ant4 ,!re 0 no "t = explanations1 h[ev]4 ,he ru%$ to ! door to g out1 b x 0 lock$--someh[1 on ! outside4 ,! skeleton key w\ld n "w1 at any rate4 ,he %ot ! lock1 & da%$ out1 call+ back1 ,walt]1 /ay !re--) ,ela9e4 ,m>y _h j succe$$ 9 gett+ on ! elevator z ,k5n$y hurri$ d[n ! hall4 ,! door 0 clos$ & ! c> desc5d$4 ,he rang ! pu% bell furi\sly1 b !re 0 no answ]4 ,_h he got s f> 9 ! *ase1 only to be outwitt$8 ,he da%$ back to ! room1 ) u1 & j]k$ d[n ! telephone receiv]4 ,hello--hello--hello6 he call$4 ,no answ]4 ,!re seem$ to be no way to get a connection4 ,:at 0 ! matt]8 ,he hurri$ d[n ! hall aga94 ,no soon] _h ,ela9e & ,m>y actually gone into ! room1 ?an ,long & 8 s]vant /ole out ( #edj1 across ! hall4 ,some:]e !y _h obta9$ a /rong b ?9 rope4 ,quickly & sil5tly ,long ti$ ! h&le ( ! door #eaa 9 :i* we 7 to ! h&le ( #edj :i* he 0 vacat+4 ,z bo? doors op5$ inw>d & 7 opposite1 !y 7 virtually lock$4 ,!n ,long & 8 s]vant hurri$ d[n ! hallway to ! elevator4 ,d[n 9 ! hotel lobby1 ) 8 foll[]s1 ! ,*9aman paus$ be=e ! telephone swit*bo>d :]e two girls 7 at "w4 ,y may g1 ord]$ ,long1 &1 z 8 man left1 he mov$ ov] clos] to ! swit*bo>d4 ,he 0 li/5+ eag]ly & also wat*+ an indicator t told ! numb]s ( ! rooms :i* call$1 z !y fla%$ into view4 ,j z a call f #eji fla%$ up1 ,long slipp$ ! r+s (f 8 little f+]s & loos5$ ! :ite rats on ! telephone swit*bo>d itself4 ,) a %riek1 ! telephone sy/em ( ! ,co/e w5t tempor>ily out ( bus9ess4 ,! op]ators fl$ to ! ne>e/ *airs1 draw+ _! skirts ab\t !m4 ,!re 0 ! greate/ excitem5t among all ! wom5 9 ! corridor4 ,su* a display ( hosi]y 0 nev] contemplat$ by ev5 ! mo/ d>+ co/um]s4 ,%\ts f ! bellboys :o s\ght to cat* ! rats :o scamp]$ hi!r & ?i!r 9 fright5$ ab&on m+l$ ) ! %rieks ( ! ladies4 ,k5n$y _h succe$$ 9 f9d+ ! alcove ( ! floor cl]k 9 *>ge ( ! fif? floor4 ,!re on 8 desk 0 an in/rum5t hav+ a /ylus on ! end ( two arms1 connect$ to a sy/em ( magnets4 ,x 0 a telautograph4 ,unc]emoni\sly1 ,craig pu%$ ! cl]k out ( 8 seat & sat d[n himself4 ,x 0 a la/ *ance1 n[ t ! telephone 0 out ( commission4 ,d[n/airs1 9 ! hotel (fice1 :]e ! excitem5t _h n spread to ev]yone1 0 ! o!r end ( ! electric long di/ance writ]4 ,x />t$ to write1 z ,k5n$y wrote1 up/airs3 ,,h\se ,,detective--,,quick--,,hold ,,woman ,,) ,,blue ,,*atela9e ,,bag1 ,,gett+ ,,out ,,( ,,elevator4 ,! cl]ks d[n/airs saw x & %\t$ above ! d9 ( ! rat-bait+4 ,mc,cann--,mc,cann6 ,! cl]k _h torn (f ! message f ! telautograph regi/]1 & h&$ x to ! h\se man :o pu%$ 8 way to ! desk4 ,quickly ! detective call$ to ! bell-hops4 ,toge!r !y hurri$ aft] ! well-dress$ woman :o _h j swept out ( ! elevator4 ,m>y _h already pass$ ?r\gh ! excit$ lobby & out1 & 0 ab\t to cross ! /reet--safe4 ,mc,cann & ! bell-hops 7 n[ 9 full cry aft] h]4 ,flight 0 useless4 ,%e took refuge 9 indignation & ?reats4 ,b ,mc,cann 0 obdurate4 ,%e pass$ quickly to te>s & plead+s4 ,x _h no effect4 ,!y insi/$ on lead+ h] back4 ,! game 0 up4 ,ev5 an (f] ( money fail$ to move _! adamant9e he>ts4 ,no?+ w\ld d b t %e mu/ face h] accus]s4 ,9 ! meantime ,long ,s9 _h recov]$ 8 preci\s & useful pets4 ,life 9 ! ,co/e _h assum$ some?+ ( its normal aspect1 & ,craig _h succe$$ 9 gett+ an elevator4 ,x 0 j z ,m>y 0 l$ 9 ?reat5+ & plead+ by turns t he /epp$ (f 9 ! lobby4 ,!re 01 h[ev]1 /ill j en\gh excitem5t to cov] a little pantomime4 ,long ,s9 _h be5 ab\t to slip out ( a side door1 ?9k+ all 0 well1 :5 he caught sight ( ,m>y be+ l$ back4 ,%e _h also se5 him1 & began to /ruggle aga94 ,quickly he %ook 8 head1 indicat+ = h] to /op4 ,!n sl[ly he secretly made ! sign ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& at h]4 ,x meant t %e mu/ n snit*4 ,%e obey$ in/antly1 & he quietly disappe>$4 ,"h1 cri$ ,k5n$y1 take h] up 9 ! elevator4 ,i'll prove ! case4 ,) ! h\se detective & ,k5n$y1 ,m>y 0 hu/l$ into ! elevator & :isk$ back z %e _h escap$4 ,9 ! meantime ,i _h ga!r$ up :at /uff we _h 9 ! room we _h ent]$ & _h return$ ) ,k5n$y's bag4 ,:--:at's x all ab\t8 inquir$ ,ela9e excit$ly4 ,i tri$ to expla94 ,j !n1 out 9 ! hall we c\ld he> l\d voices1 & t ( ,m>y above ! re/4 ,k5n$y1 a man :o look$ l a detective1 & "s bell-boys 7 lead+ h] t[>d u4 ,n[--n a ^w ( :o %e is 9 ! pap]s1 ,mc,cann1 ,k5n$y 0 say+1 evid5tly ab\t ,ela9e4 ,y "k x w\ldn't s\nd well = ,la ,co/e4 ,z = t woman--well1 ,i've got ! money back4 ,y c take h] (f--make ! *>ge4 ,z ! h\se man left ) ,m>y1 ,i h&$ ,craig 8 bag4 ,we mov$ t[>d ! door1 & z we /ood !re a mom5t ) ,ela9e1 he quietly h&$ ov] to h] ! big roll ( bills4 ,%e took x1 ) surprise /ill writt5 9 h] big blue eyes4 ,oh--?ank y--,i might h kn[n x 0 only a blackmail s*eme1 %e cri$ eag]ly4 ,craig held out 8 h& & %e took x quickly1 gaz+ into 8 eyes4 ,craig b[$ politely1 n q kn[+ :at to d "u ! circum/ances4 ,if he _h be5 less ( a sci5ti/1 he might h und]/ood ! look on h] face1 b1 ) a nod to me1 he turn$1 & w5t4 ,z %e look$ fir/ at him1 !n at ! paltry t5 ?\s& 9 h] h&1 ,ela9e /amp$ h] little foot 9 vexation4 ,i'm glad ,i ,,didn',t say any?+ m1 %e cri$4 ,no--no--he %all beg my p>don fir/--!re6 ,,*apt] ,,xiii ,,! ,,devil ,,wor%ipp]s ,ela9e 0 seat$ 9 ! draw+ room ) ,aunt ,joseph9e "o aft]noon1 :5 h] lawy]1 ,p]ry ,b5nett1 dropp$ 9 unexpect$ly4 ,he _h h>dly greet$ !m :5 ! butl]1 ,j5n+s1 9 8 usual impassive mann] ann\nc$ t ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 want$ on ! telephone4 ,no soon] 7 ,ela9e & ,b5nett alone1 ?an ,ela9e1 turn+ to him1 exclaim$ impulsively1 ,i'm s glad y h come4 ,i h be5 long+ to see y & to tell y ab\t a /range dream ,i h _h4 ,:at 0 x8 he ask$1 ) in/ant int]e/4 ,lean+ back 9 h] *air & gaz+ be=e h] tremul\sly1 ,ela9e cont9u$1 ,la/ night1 ,i dream$ t fa!r came to me & told me t if ,i w\ld give up ,k5n$y & put my tru/ 9 y1 ,i w\ld f9d ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,i don't "k :at to ?9k ( x4 ,b5nett1 :o _h be5 li/5+ int5tly1 rema9$ sil5t = a few mom5ts4 ,!n1 putt+ d[n 8 tea cup1 he mov$ ov] ne>] to ,ela9e & b5t ov] h]4 ,ela9e1 he said 9 a l[ tone1 8 rem>kable eyes look+ /raight into h] own1 y mu/ "k t ,i love y4 ,!n give me ! "r to protect y4 ,x 0 y\r fa!r's de>e/ wi%1 ,i believe1 t we %\ld m>ry4 ,let me %>e y\r dang]s & ,i swe> t soon] or lat] !re w be an end to ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,give me y\r answ]1 ,ela9e1 he urg$1 & make me ! happie/ man 9 all ! _w4 ,ela9e li/5$1 & n unsympa!tically1 z ,b5nett cont9u$ to plead = h] answ]4 ,wait a little :ile--until to-morr[1 %e repli$ f9ally1 z if ov]come by ! recollections ( h] weird dream & ! unexpect$ sequel ( 8 proposal4 ,let x be z y wi%1 !n1 agre$ ,b5nett quietly4 ,he took h] h& & kiss$ x passionately4 ,an in/ant lat] ,aunt ,joseph9e return$4 ,ela9e1 un/rung by :at _h happ5$1 excus$ h]self & w5t into ! libr>y4 ,%e sank into "o ( ! capaci\s arm *airs1 & pass+ h] h& we>ily ov] h] ?robb+ =ehead1 clos$ h] eyes 9 deep ?\ght4 ,involunt>ily1 h] m9d travell$ back ov] ! rapid succession ( ev5ts ( ! pa/ few weeks & ! "p t %e _h ?\ght1 at lea/1 ,k5n$y _h come to play 9 h] life4 ,!n %e ?\ght ( _! rec5t misund]/&+4 ,might !re n be "s simple explanation ( x1 aft] all1 :i* %e _h miss$8 ,:at %\ld %e d8 ,%e solv$ ! problem by tak+ up ! telephone & ask+ = ,k5n$y's numb]4 ,i 0 *att+ ) ,craig 9 8 laboratory1 &1 at ! same "t1 0 wat*+ him 9 8 exp]im5tal "w4 ,j z a call came on ! telephone1 he 0 p\r+ "s nitro-hydro*loric acid into a te/ tube to complete a reaction4 ,! telephone t9kl$ & he laid d[n ! bottle ( acid on 8 desk1 :ile he mov$ a few /eps to answ] ! call4 ,:oev] ! speak] 01 ,craig seem$ deeply int]e/$1 &1 n kn[+ :o 0 talk+ on ! wire1 ,i 0 eag] to le>n :e!r x 0 anyone connect$ ) ! case ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,yes1 ?is is ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ,i he>d ,craig say4 ,i mov$ ov] t[>d him & :isp]$ eag]ly1 ,is !re any?+ new8 ,a little impati5t at be+ int]rupt$1 ,k5n$y wav$ me (f4 ,x occurr$ to me t he might ne$ a pad & p5cil to make a note ( "s in=mation & ,i rea*$ ov] ! desk = !m4 ,z ,i did s my arm inadv]t5tly /ruck ! bottle ( acid1 knock+ x ov] on ! top ( ! desk4 ,its cont5ts /ream$ out saturat+ ! telephone wires be=e ,i c\ld prev5t x4 ,9 try+ to "r ! bottle my h& came 9 contact ) ! acid :i* burn$ l liquid fire1 & ,i cri$ out 9 pa94 ,craig ha/ily laid d[n ! receiv]1 seiz$ me & ru%$ me to ! back ( ! laboratory :]e he dr5*$ my h& ) a neutraliz+ liquid4 ,he b\nd up ! w\nds caus$ by ! acid1 :i* prov$ to be slight1 aft] all1 & !n return$ to ! telephone4 ,to 8 evid5t annoyance1 he discov]$ t ! acid _h burn$ ?r\gh ! wires & cut (f all connection4 ,?\gh ,i did n "k x1 my h& 01 9 a s5se at lea/1 ! h& ( fate4 ,at ! o!r end ( ! l9e1 ,ela9e 0 li/5+ impati5tly = a response to h] fir/ eag] words ( inquiry4 ,%e 0 a/\nd$ to f9d1 at la/1 t ,k5n$y _h app>5tly left ! telephone )\t any explanation or apology4 ,:y--he rang (f1 %e exclaim$ angrily to h]self1 z %e hung up ! receiv] & left ! room4 ,%e rejo9$ h] ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,b5nett :o _h be5 *att+ toge!r 9 ! draw+ room1 /ill wond]+ at ! que] rebuff %e _h1 seem+ly1 exp]i5c$4 ,b5nett rose to g1 &1 z he p>t$ f ,ela9e1 f\nd an opportunity to :isp] a few words rem9d+ h] ( h] promis$ reply on ! morr[4 ,piqu$1 at ,k5n$y1 %e fla%$ ,b5nett a mean+ glance :i* gave him to und]/& t 8 suit 0 n hopeless4 ,9 ! c5t] ( a devi\s & w9d+ way1 q unkn[n to all except ^? :o knew ! inn]mo/ secrets ( ! ,*9ese qu>t] & ev5 unkn[n to ! police1 !re 0 a d+y t5em5t h\se1 app>5tly inhabit$ by h>dwork+ ,*9am51 b 9 reality ! headqu>t]s ( ! notori\s devil wor%ipp]s1 a sect ( ,satani/s1 bann$ ev5 9 ! ,cele/ial ,empire4 ,! foll[]s ( ! cult compris$ "s ( ! mo/ dang]\s ,*9ese crim9als1 ?ugs1 & assass9s1 besides a numb] ( dang]\s *>act]s :o belong$ to v>i\s ,*9ese secret societies4 ,at ! head ( ?is =midable organization 0 ,long ,s91 ! high prie/ ( ! ,devil ,god1 & ,long ,s9 _h1 z we knew1 already jo9$ =ces ) ! notori\s ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,! room 9 :i* ! uncanny rites ( ! devil wor%ipp]s 7 conduct$ 0 a l>ge ap>tm5t decorat$ 9 ,*9ese /yle1 ) highly color$ portraits ( "s ( ! devil deities & co/ly silk5 hang+s4 ,beside a l>ge dais dep5d$ a huge ,*9ese gong4 ,on ! dais itself /ood1 or r sat1 an ugly look+ figure cov]$ ) "s sort ( metallic plat+4 ,x almo/ seem$ to be ! mummy ( a ,*9aman cov]$ ) gold leaf4 ,x 0 ?9 & %runk51 entirely nude4 ,into ?is room came ,long ,s9 attir$ 9 an elaborate silk5 robe4 ,he advanc$ & k[t[$ be=e ! dais ) its /range figure1 & laid d[n an (f]+ be=e x1 consi/+ ( punk /icks1 little di%es ( ,*9ese cakes1 rice1 a j> ( oil1 & "s cook$ *ick5 & pork4 ,!n he b[$ & k[t[$ aga94 ,?is p]=mance 0 witness$ by tw5ty or ?irty ,*9am5 :o knelt 9 ! re> ( ! room4 ,z ,long ,s9 f9i%$ 8 devotions !y fil$ pa/ ! dais1 b[+ & scrap+ ) e sign ( abject rev]5ce bo? = ! devil deity & 8 high prie/4 ,at ! same "t an ag$ ,*9aman c>ry+ a pray] :eel ent]$ ! place & aft] pro/rat+ himself dev\t$ly plac$ ! ma*9e on a sort ( l[ /ool or tab\rette & began turn+ x sl[ly1 mutt]+4 ,ea* revolution ( ?is curi\s :eel 0 suppos$ to (f] a pray] to ! god ( ! ne!rworld4 ,a few mom5ts lat]1 ,long ,s91 :o _h be5 b[+ be=e ! metallic figure 9 deepe/ rev]5ce1 sudd5ly sprang to 8 feet4 ,8 glaz$ eye & excit$ mann] indicat$ t he _h receiv$ a message f ! lips ( ! /range idol4 ,! wor%ipp]s :o _h pro/rat$ !mselves 9 awe at ! sight ( _! high prie/ 9 ! unholy fr5zy1 all rose to _! feet & cr[d$ =w>d4 ,at ! same "t ,long ,s9 advanc$ a /ep to meet !m1 hold+ 8 arms out/ret*$ z if to compel sil5ce :ile he deliv]$ 8 message4 ,long ,s9 /ruck sev]al bl[s on ! res\nd+ gong & !n rais$ 8 voice 9 solemn tones4 ,ks+ ,*au1 ! ,t]rible1 dem&s a consort4 ,%e is to be =eign--fair ( face & ) gold5 hair4 ,amaz$ at ?is unexpect$ message1 ! ,*9am5 pro/rat$ !mselves aga9 & _! unhall[$ devotions t]m9at$ a few mom5ts lat] amid suppress$ excitem5t z !y fil$ out4 ,at ! same "t1 9 a room ( ! adjo9+ h\se1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& himself 0 busily engag$ mak+ ! mo/ elaborate prep>ations = "s nef>i\s s*eme :i* 8 f]tile m9d _h evolv$4 ,! room _h be5 fitt$ up z a m$ium's seance p>lor1 ) black hang+s on ! walls1 :ile at "o side !re 0 a squ>e cab9et ( black clo?1 ) a guit> ly+ be=e x4 ,two ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&'s mo/ tru/$ conf$]ates & a h>d-fac$ woman ( middle age1 dress$ 9 pla9 black1 7 putt+ ! f9i%+ t\*es to ?is ap>tm5t1 :5 _! ,*ief ent]$4 ,clut*+ ,h& gaz$ ab\t ! room1 n[ & !n giv+ an ord] or two to make m effective ! sett+ = ! purpose :i* he _h 9 m9d4 ,f9ally he nodd$ 9 approval & /epp$ ov] to ! fire place :]e logs 7 burn+ brightly 9 a grate4 ,press+ a spr+ 9 ! mantelpiece1 ! ma/] crim9al effect$ an in/ant trans=mation4 ,! logs 9 ! fireplace1 /ill burn+1 disappe>$ imm$iately ?r\gh ! side ( ! brick til+ & a metal %eet cov]$ !m4 ,an ap]ture op5$ at ! back1 z if by magic4 ,?r\gh ?is op5+ ,clut*+ ,h& made 8 way quickly & disappe>$4 ,em]g+ on ! o!r side ( ! peculi> fireplace1 ,clut*+ ,h& pu%$ aside a curta9 :i* b>r$ ! way & look$ into ! ,*9ese temple1 tak+ up a position beh9d ! metallic figure on ! dais4 ,! ,*9am5 _h by ?is "t f9i%$ _! devotions1 if su* !y might be call$1 & ! la/ "o 0 leav+1 :ile ,long ,s9 /ood alone on ! dais4 ,! noise ( ! dep>t+ ,satani/s _h sc>cely di$ away :5 ,clut*+ ,h& /epp$ out4 ,foll[ me1 he ord]$ ho>sely seiz+ ,long ,s9 by ! arm & lead+ him away4 ,!y pass$ ?r\gh ! passageway ( ! fireplace &1 hav+ ent]$ ! seance room1 ,clut*+ ,h& began briefly expla9+ ! purpose ( ! prep>ations t _h be5 made4 ,long ,s9 wagg$ 8 head 9 voluble approval4 ,z ,clut*+ ,h& f9i%$1 ! ,*9aman turn$ to ! h>d-fac$ woman :o 0 to act ! "p ( m$ium & add$ "s directions to ^? ,clut*+ ,h& _h already giv54 ,! m$ium nodd$ acquiesc5ce1 & a mom5t lat]1 left ! room to c>ry out "s +5i\s plot fram$ by ! ma/] m9d ( ! crim9al _w4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e 0 /&+ 9 ! libr>y gaz+ sadly at ,k5n$y's portrait1 ?9k+ ov] rec5t ev5ts & above all ! rebuff ov] ! telephone :i* %e suppos$ %e _h receiv$4 ,x all seem$ s unreal to h]4 ,surely1 %e felt 9 h] he>t1 %e c\ld n h be5 s mi/ak5 9 ! man4 ,yet ! facts seem$ to speak = !mselves4 ,9 spite ( x all1 %e 0 almo/ ab\t to kiss ! portrait :5 some?+ seem$ to /ay h] h&s4 ,in/ead %e laid ! picture d[n1 ) a sigh4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,j5n+s ent]$ ) a c>d on a salv]4 ,ela9e took x & saw ) surprise ! "n ( h] call]3 ,,madame ,,savetsky1 ,,m$ium ,b5ea? ! engrav$ "n 7 ! words writt5 9 ink1 ,i h a message f ! _s ( y\r fa!r4 ,yes1 ,i w see h]1 cri$ ,ela9e eag]ly1 9 response to ! butl]'s inquiry4 ,%e foll[$ ,j5n+s into ! adjo9+ room & !re f\nd h]self face to face ) ! h>d-featur$ woman :o _h only a few mom5ts be=e left ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,ela9e look$ r ?an spoke h] inquiry4 ,y\r fa!r1 my de>1 purr$ ! m$ium ) a great pret5ce ( suppress$ excitem5t1 appe>$ to me1 ! o!r night1 f ! _s _w4 ,i 0 9 a trance & he ask$ me to deliv] a message to y4 ,:at 0 ! message8 ask$ ,ela9e brea?lessly1 n[ ar\s$ to int5se int]e/4 ,i mu/ g into a trance aga9 to get x1 repli$ ! ins9uat+ ,savetsky1 & if y l ,i c try x at once1 provid$ we c be left alone long en\gh4 ,please--don't wait1 urg$ ,ela9e1 pull+ ! porti]es ( ! doors clos]1 z if t might insure privacy4 ,seat$ 9 h] *air1 ! m$ium mutt]$ wildly = a few mom5ts1 roll$ h] eyes & ) "s convulsive movem5ts pret5d$ to g into a trance4 ,savetsky seem$ ab\t to speak & ,ela9e1 9 ! highe/ /ate ( n]v\s t5sion1 li/5$1 try+ to make some?+ ( ! gibb]i% mutt]+s4 ,sudd5ly ! curta9s 7 pu%$ aside & ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,b5nett1 :o _h j come 91 ent]$4 ,i c d no?+ "h1 exclaim$ ,savetsky1 />t+ up & look+ ab\t sev]ely4 ,y mu/ come to my seance *amb] :]e we %all n be int]rupt$4 ,i w1 cri$ ,ela9e1 vex$ at ! intrusion at t mom5t4 ,i mu/ h t message--,i mu/4 ,:at's all ?is1 ,ela9e8 dem&$ ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,hurri$ly1 ,ela9e p\r$ =? to h] aunt & ,b5nett ! /ory ( ! m$ium's visit & ! promis$ message f h] fa!r 9 ! o!r _w4 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 :o 0 n "o easily to be impos$ on1 /rongly object$ to ,ela9e's proposal to accompany ,savetsky to ! seance *amb]1 b ,ela9e w\ld n be d5i$4 ,%e plead$ ) h] aunt1 urg+ t %e be all[$ to g4 ,x might be safe = ,ela9e to g1 ,b5nett f9ally sugge/$ to ,aunt ,joseph9e1 if y & ,i accompani$ h]4 ,all ?is "t ! m$ium 0 li/5+ closely to ! conv]sation4 ,ela9e look$ at h] inquir+ly4 ,) a %rug1 %e indicat$ t %e _h no objection to hav+ ,ela9e escort$ to ! p>lor by h] fri5ds4 ,at la/ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 influ5c$ by ,ela9e's plead+s & ,b5nett's sugge/ion1 gave 9 & agre$ to jo9 9 ! visit4 ,a few mom5ts lat]1 9 ! ,dodge c>1 ,ela9e1 ! m$ium1 & h] two escorts />t$ = ! ,*9ese qu>t]4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at ! h\se1 ! m$ium op5$ ! door ) h] key & u%]$ 9 h] ?ree visitors4 ,long ,s9 :o _h be5 wat*+ = _! arrival f ! w9d[ n[ ha/ily )drew f ! seance room & disappe>$ beh9d ! black curta9s4 ,ent]+ ! room ! m$ium at once prep>$ = ! seance by pull+ d[n ! w9d[ %ades4 ,!n %e seat$ h]self 9 a *air beside ! cab9et1 & appe>$ to fall (f sl[ly into a trance4 ,h] /range proce$+s 7 wat*$ ) ! greate/ curiosity by ,ela9e z well z ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,b5nett1 :o _h tak5 seats plac$ at "o side ( ! room4 ,! room itself 0 dimly light$1 & ! curta9s ( ! cab9et seem$1 9 ! obscurity1 to sway back & =? z if /irr$ by "s gho/ly breeze4 ,all ( !m 7 n[ q on edge ) excitem5t4 ,sudd5ly an indi/9ct face 0 se5 to be pe]+ ?r\gh ! black curta9s1 z x 74 ,! guit>1 z if lift$ by an invisible h&1 left ! cab9et1 float$ ab\t close to ! ceil+1 & return$ aga94 ,x 0 e]ie4 ,at la/ a voice1 deep1 sepul*ral1 0 he>d 9 sl[ & solemn tones4 ,i am ,eeko--! _s ( ,taylor ,dodge4 ,i w give no message until "o nam$ ,joseph9e leaves ! room4 ,no soon] _h ! words be5 utt]$ ?an ! m$ium came wri?+ out ( h] trance4 ,:at happ5$8 %e ask$1 look+ at ,ela9e4 ,ela9e report$ ! _s's words4 ,we c get no?+ if y\r ,aunt /ays "h1 ,savetsky add$1 insi/+ t ,aunt ,joseph9e mu/ g4 ,y\r fa!r _c speak :ile %e is pres5t4 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 annoy$ by :at %e _h he>d1 indignantly refus$ to g & 0 deaf to all ,ela9e's plead+s4 ,i ?9k x w be all "r1 f9ally acquiesc$ ,b5nett1 see+ h[ b5t ,ela9e 0 on secur+ ! message4 ,i'll /ay & protect h]4 ,aunt ,joseph9e f9ally agre$4 ,v well1 !n1 %e prote/$1 m>*+ out ( ! room 9 a high /ate ( indignation4 ,%e _h sc>cely left ! h\se1 h[ev]1 :5 %e began to suspect t all 0 n z x ought to be4 ,9 fact1 ! idea _h no soon] occurr$ to h] ?an %e decid$ to call on ,k5n$y & %e ord]$ ! *auffeur to take h] z quickly z possible to ! laboratory4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y _h n be5 9 ! laboratory all ! day1 aft] my exp]i5ce ) ! acid & ,i 0 impati5tly await+ 8 arrival4 ,at la/ !re came a knock at ! door & ,i op5$ x hurri$ly4 ,!re 0 a mess5g] boy :o h&$ me a note4 ,i tore x op54 ,x 0 f ,k5n$y & read1 ,i %all probably be away = two or ?ree days4 ,call up ,ela9e & tell h] to bew>e ( a c]ta9 ,madame ,savetsky4 ,i 0 /ill puzzl+ ov] ! note & 0 j ab\t to call up ,ela9e :5 ! speak+ tube 0 bl[n & to my surprise ,i f\nd x 0 ,aunt ,joseph9e :o _h call$4 ,:]e is ,mr4 ,k5n$y8 %e ask$1 greatly agitat$4 ,he has gone away = a few days1 ,i repli$ blankly4 ,is !re any?+ ,i c d8 ,%e 0 v excit$ & ha/ily relat$ :at _h happ5$ at ! p>lor ( ! m$ium4 ,:at 0 h] "n8 ,i ask$ anxi\sly4 ,madame ,savetsky1 %e repli$1 to my surprise4 ,a/\nd$1 ,i pick$ up ,craig's note f ! desk & h&$ x to h] )\t a ^w4 ,%e read x ) brea?less eag]ness4 ,come back !re ) me1 please1 %e begg$1 almo/ frantic ) fe> n[4 ,some?+ t]rible may h happ5$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,aunt ,joseph9e _h h>dly left ,savetsky :5 ! trance 0 resum$ &1 9 a few m9utes1 !re came all sorts ( sup]natural manife/ations4 ,! table beside ,ela9e began to turn & articles on x dropp$ to ! floor4 ,viol5t rapp+s foll[$ 9 v>i\s p>ts ( ! room4 ,bo? ,ela9e & ,b5nett :o sat toge!r 9 sil5ce 7 mu* impress$ by ! m>vell\s ph5om5a--n be+ able to see1 9 ! d>kness1 ! conceal$ wires t made !m possible4 ,sudd5ly1 f ! my/]i\s %ad[s ( ! cab9et1 !re appe>$ ! _s ( ,long ,s91 ^: dea? ,ela9e /ill believ$ %e _h caus$ :5 ,adv5turess ,m>y _h lur$ h] to ! ap>tm5t4 ,ela9e 0 trembl+ ) fe> at ! app>ition4 ,z be=e1 a /range voice s\nd$ 9 ! dep?s ( ! cab9et & aga9 a message 0 he>d1 9 l[1 solemn tones4 ,i am ,keka1 & ,i h ) me ,long ,s94 ,8 blood cries = v5geance4 ,ela9e 0 ov]come ) horror at ! words4 ,f ! cab9et ran a ?ick /ream ( r$1 l blood1 f :i* %e recoil$1 %udd]+4 ,!n a dim1 gho/ly figure1 app>5tly t ( ,long ,s91 appe>$4 ,! face 0 horribly di/ort$4 ,x seem$ to brea! ! v odor ( ! grave4 ,) arms out/ret*$1 ! figure glid$ f ! cab9et & approa*$ ,ela9e4 ,%e %rank back fur!r 9 fright1 too horrifi$ ev5 to scream4 ,at ! same mom5t1 ! m$ium drew a vapor pi/ol f h] dress1 &1 z ! gho/ ( ,long ,s9 leap$ at ,ela9e1 ,savetsky d>t$ =w>d & %ot a /ream ( vapor full 9 ,b5nett's face4 ,b5nett dropp$ unconsci\s1 ! lights 9 ! d>k5$ room fla%$ up1 & sev]al ( ! m5 ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& ru%$ 94 ,quickly ! fireplace 0 turn$ on its clev]ly con/ruct$ h+es1 reveal+ ! hidd5 passage4 ,be=e any effective resi/ance c\ld be made1 ,ela9e & ,b5nett 7 hu/l$ ?r\gh ! passage1 securely b\nd1 & plac$ on a divan 9 a curta9$ *amb] back ( ! alt> ( ! devil wor%ipp]s4 ,!re !y lay :5 ,long ,s91 n[ 9 8 prie/ly robes1 ent]$4 ,he look$ at !m a mom5t4 ,!n he left ! room ) a s9i/] laugh4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 at t mom5t t ,i1 little dream+ ( :at _h be5 tak+ place1 arriv$ ) ,aunt ,joseph9e at ! h\se ( ! m$ium4 ,%e answ]$ my r+ & admitt$ u4 ,to our surprise1 ! seance room 0 empty4 ,:]e is ! "y lady :o 0 "h8 ,i ask$4 ,miss ,dodge & ! g5tleman j left a few m9utes ago1 ! m$ium expla9$1 z we look$ ab\t4 ,%e seem$ eag] to satisfy u t ,ela9e 0 n !re4 ,app>5tly !re 0 no excuse = disput+ h] ^w1 b1 z we turn$ to leave1 ,i happ5$ to notice a torn h&k]*ief ly+ on ! floor ne> ! fireplace4 ,x fla%$ ov] me t p]haps x might af=d a clue4 ,z ,i pass$ x1 ,i purposely dropp$ my s(t hat ov] x & pick$ up ! hat1 secur+ ! h&k]*ief )\t attract+ ,savetsky's att5tion4 ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 ke5 n[ = return+ home to f9d out :e!r ,ela9e 0 !re or n4 ,no soon] _h %e ent]$ ! c> & driv5 (f1 ?an ,i exam9$ ! h&k]*ief4 ,x 0 torn1 z if x _h be5 cru%$ 9 ! h& dur+ a /ruggle & wr5*$ away4 ,i look$ clos]4 ,9 ! corn] 0 ! initial1 ,e4 ,t 0 en\gh4 ,)\t los+ ano!r preci\s mom5t ,i hurri$ ar\nd to ! ne>e/ police /ation1 :]e ,i happ5$ to be kn[n1 hav+ _h sev]al assignm5ts = ! ,/> 9 t "p ( ! city1 & gave an al>m4 ,! s]geant detail$ sev]al r\ndsm51 & a man 9 pla9clo!s1 & toge!r we return$ to ! h\se1 lay+ a c>eful plan to surr\nd x secretly1 :ile ! pla9clo!sman & ,i obta9$ admittance4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 ! ,*9ese devil wor%ipp]s _h aga9 ga!r$ 9 _! curs$ temple & ,long ,s91 9 8 prie/ly robe1 appe>$ on ! dais4 ,! wor%ipp]s k[t[$ rev]5tly to him1 :ile at ! back aga9 /ood ! ag$ ,*9aman pati5tly turn+ 8 pray] :eel4 ,two brazi]s1 or smoke pots1 _h be5 plac$ on ! dais1 "o ( :i* ,long ,s9 t\*$ ) a /ick caus+ x to bur/ out into d5se fumes4 ,/&+ be=e !m1 he *ant$ 9 nasal tones1 ,! :ite consort ( ! great ,ks+ ,*au has be5 f\nd4 ,x is 8 w t %e n[ be made 84 ,z he f9i%$ inton+ ! message1 ,long ,s9 signal$ to two "y ,*9am5 to g into ! ant]oom4 ,a mom5t lat] !y return$ ) ,ela9e4 ,fright5$ ?\gh %e 01 ,ela9e made no attempt to /ruggle1 ev5 :5 !y _h cut h] bonds4 ,%e 0 busily engag$ 9 seek+ "s me?od ( escape4 ,h] eyes travell$ ev] ! place quickly4 ,app>5tly1 !re 0 no means ( exit t 0 n gu>d$4 ,long ,s9 saw h] look1 & smil$ quietly4 ,!y _h c>ri$ h] up to ! dais1 & n[ ,long ,s9 fac$ h] & /]nly ord]$ h] to k[t[ to ! gruesome metallic figure4 ,%e refus$1 b in/antly ! ,*9am5 seiz$ h] arm & twi/$ x1 until !y _h compell$ h] to fall to h] knees4 ,hav+ =c$ h] to k[t[1 ,long ,s9 turn$ to ! assembl$ devil danc]s4 ,) magic & r>e drugs1 he *ant$1 %e %all be made to pass beyond & h] body encas$ 9 preci\s gold %all be ! consort ( ,ks+ ,*au--=ev] & ev]4 ,he made ano!r sign & sev]al pots & brazi]s 7 br\ght out & plac$ on ! dais beside ,ela9e4 ,%e 01 by ?is "t1 completely ov]come by ! horror ( ! situation4 ,!re 0 app>5tly no escape4 ,) call\s deviltry1 ! ori5tal satani/s _h made e arrangem5t = embalm+ & pres]v+ ! body ( ,ela9e4 ,pots fill$ ) /icky black mat]ial 7 sl[ly heat$1 amid weird incantations1 :ile o!r ,*9am5 laid out innum]able %eets ( gold leaf4 ,at la/ all seem$ to be 9 read9ess to proce$4 ,hold h]1 ord]$ ,long ,s9 9 guttural ,*9ese to ! two att5dants1 z he approa*$ h]4 ,long ,s9 held 9 8 h& a small1 pr(usely decorat$ pot f :i* smoke 0 escap+4 ,z he approa*$ he pass$ ?is receptacle "u h] nose once1 twice1 ?ree times4 ,gradually ,ela9e fell into unconsci\sness4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:ile ,ela9e 0 fac+ dea? 9 ! p[] ( ! devil wor%ipp]s1 ,i _h rea*$ ! h\se ( ,savetsky next door ) ! police1 & ! place _h be5 quietly surr\nd$4 ,) ! pla9clo!sman1 a d>+ & intellig5t fell[1 ,i w5t to ! door & rang ! bell4 ,:at c ,i d = y8 ask$ ! m$ium1 admitt+ u4 ,my fri5d1 "h1 ,i p>ley$1 is 9 great bus9ess tr\ble4 ,c y\r controll+ _s give him advice8 ,we _h manag$ to ga9 ! int]ior ( ! seance room1 & ,i suppose !re 0 no?+ else = h] to say1 "u ! circum/ances1 b1 ,:y--yes1--if ! conditions are good1 ! control c probably tell u j :at he wants to "k4 ,savetsky set to "w prep>+ ! room = a seance4 ,z %e mov$ ov] to ! w9d[ to pull d[n ! %ades1 %e mu/ h caught sight ( "o or two ( ! policem5 :o _h incauti\sly expos$ !mselves f ! hid+ places 9 :i* ,i _h dispos$ !m be=e we ent]$4 ,at any rate1 ,savetsky did n lose a jot ( h] rem>kable composure4 ,i'm sorry1 %e rem>k$ m]ely1 b ,i'm afraid my control is weak & _c "w today4 ,%e took a /ep t[>d ! door1 motion+ u to leave4 ,nei!r ( u paid any att5tion to t h9t1 b rema9$ seat$ z we _h be5 be=e4 ,g6 %e exclaim$ at l5g?1 = ! fir/ "t %[+ a trace ( n]v\sness4 ,evid5tly h] suspicions _h be5 fully confirm$ by our actions4 ,we tri$ to argue ) h] to ga9 "t4 ,b x 0 ( no use4 ,almo/ be=e ,i knew :at %e 0 do+1 %e made a da% = some?+ 9 ! corn] ( ! room4 ,x 0 "t = op5 action1 & ,i seiz$ h] quickly4 ,my detective 0 on 8 feet 9 an in/ant4 ,i'll take c>e ( h]1 he gr\nd out1 seiz+ h] wri/s 9 8 vice-l grasp4 ,y give ! signal4 ,i ru%$ to ! w9d[1 ?rew up ! %ade & op5$ ! sa%1 wav+ our preconc]t$ sign1 turn+ aga9 t[>d ! room4 ,) a sudd5 accession ( desp]ate /r5g?1 ,savetsky broke away f ! pla9clo!sman & aga9 attempt$ to get at some?+ conceal$ on ! wall4 ,i _h turn$ j 9 "t to fl+ myself betwe5 h] & :atev] object %e _h 9 m9d4 ,z ! detective took h] aga9 & twi/$ h] arm until %e cri$ out 9 pa91 ,i ha/ily inve/igat$ ! wall4 ,%e _h evid5tly be5 attempt+ to press a button t rang a conceal$ bell4 ,:at did x all mean8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e1 n[ completely unconsci\s1 0 be+ held by ! ,*9am51 :ile h] arm 0 sme>$ ) /icky black mat]ial f ! cauldron by ,long ,s94 ,z ! high prie/ ( ,satan work$1 ! devil wor%ipp]s k[t[$ ob$i5tly4 ,sudd5ly ! ag$ ,*9aman ) ! pray] :eel /opp$ 8 incessant1 impi\s turn+1 & ris+1 held up 8 h& z if to comm& att5tion4 ,amid a g5]al exclamation ( wond]1 he walk$ to ! dais & m\nt$ x1 turn+ & fac+ ! wor%ipp]s4 ,?is is nons5se1 he cri$ 9 a l\d tone4 ,:y %\ld our great ,ks+ ,*au desire a :ite devil8 ,i1 a great gr&fa!r1 dem& to "k4 ,! effect on ! wor%ipp]s 0 electric4 ,!y paus$ 9 _! obeisance & />$ at ! speak]1 !n at _! high prie/4 ,%ak+ ) rage1 ,long ,s9 ord]$ ! intrud] (f ! dais4 ,b ! ag$ devotee refus$ to g4 ,?r[ him out1 he ord]$ 8 att5dants4 ,= answ]1 z ! two "y ,*9am5 approa*$1 ! old ,*9aman ?rew !m d[n to ! floor ) a quick jiu-jitsu movem5t4 ,8 /r5g? seem$ miracul\s = s ag$ a man4 ,furi\s n[ beyond expression1 ,long ,s9 /epp$ =w>d himself4 ,he seiz$ ! be>d & queue ( ! intrud]4 ,to 8 utt] amazem5t1 !y came (f6 ,x 0 ,k5n$y6 ,) 8 automatic drawn1 be=e ! a/\nd$ devil danc]s c\ld recov] !mselves1 ,craig /ood at bay4 ,long ,s9 leap$ beh9d ! big gong4 ,z ! ,*9am5 ru%$ =w>d to seize him1 ,k5n$y %ot ! lead] ( ,long ,s9's att5dants & /ruck d[n ! o!r ) a bl[4 ,! ru% 0 *eck$ = ! mom5t4 ,b ! odds 7 fe>ful4 ,k5n$y seiz$ ,ela9e's yield+ body &1 pu%+ back ! curta9s to ! ant]oom1 succe$$ 9 ga9+ x1 & lock+ ! door into ! ma9 temple4 ,b5nett 0 /ill ly+ on ! floor tightly b\nd4 ,) a few deft cuts by a ,*9ese knife :i* he _h pick$ up1 ,k5n$y releas$ him4 ,at ! same "t1 ,*9am5 7 try+ to batt] d[n ! door1 ,k5n$y's la/ bulw>k4 ,x 0 sway+ "u _! repeat$ bl[s4 ,k5n$y ru%$ to ! door & fir$ ?r\gh x at r&om to *eck ! attack = a few mom5ts4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:ile ,k5n$y 0 ?us besieg$ by ! devil wor%ipp]s 9 ! ant]oom1 sev]al policem5 & detectives ga!r$ 9 ! seance room ) u1 next door1 :]e ,savetsky 0 held a defiant & mute prison]4 ,i _h discov]$ ! bell1 &1 tak+ t z a guide1 ,i />t$ to trace ! c\rse ( a wire :i* ran alongside ! wall1 feel+ c]ta9 t x w\ld give me a clue to "s adjo9+ room to :i* ,ela9e might possibly h be5 tak54 ,to ! fireplace ,i trac$ ! bell1 &1 9 pull+ on ! wire1 ,i luckily press$ a secret spr+4 ,to my amazem5t1 ! :ole fireplace swung out ( sight & disclos$ a secret passageway4 ,i look$ ?r\gh x4 ,x 0 almo/ at t precise in/ant t ! door ( ! ant]oom bur/ op5 & ! ,*9am5 sw>m$ 91 urg$ on by ! insane exhortations ( ,long ,s94 ,to my utt] amazem5t1 ,i recogniz$ ,k5n$y's voice4 ,9 ! fir/ onslaught1 ,craig %ot "o ,*9aman dead1 !n clos$ ) ! o!rs1 sla%+ "r & left ) ! ,*9ese knife he _h pick$ up4 ,b5nett came to 8 aid1 b 0 imm$iately ov]come by two ,*9am51 :o evid5tly _h be5 detail$ = t purpose4 ,mean:ile1 ,k5n$y & ! o!rs 7 engag$ 9 a t]rible life & dea? /ruggle4 ,!y f\ght all ov] ! room1 dismantl+ x1 & ev5 te>+ ! hang+s f ! wall4 ,x 0 j z ! ,*9ese 0 ab\t to ov]p[] him t ,i l$ ! police & detectives ?r\gh ! passageway ( ! fireplace4 ,x 0 a glori\s fight t foll[$4 ,long ,s9 & 8 ,*9am5 7 no mat* = ! police & 7 soon completely r\t$1 ! police /rik+ furi\sly 9 all directions & cle>+ ! room4 ,in/antly1 ,k5n$y ?\ght ( ! fair object ( all ?is melee4 ,he ru%$ to ! divan on :i* he _h plac$ ,ela9e4 ,%e 0 sl[ly return+ to consci\sness4 ,z %e op5$ h] eyes1 = an in/ant1 %e gaz$ at ,craig1 !n at ,b5nett4 ,/ill n compreh5d+ j :at _h happ5$1 %e gave h] h& to ,b5nett4 ,b5nett lift$ h] to h] feet & sl[ly assi/$ h] z %e tri$ to walk away4 ,k5n$y wat*$ !m1 m /upefi$ ?an if he _h be5 /ruck ov] ! head by ,long ,s94 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,police & detectives 7 n[ tak+ ! captur$ ,*9am5 away1 z ,b5nett1 8 arm ab\t ,ela9e1 l$ h] g5tly out4 ,a "y detective _h slipp$ ! bracelets ov] ,long ,s9's wri/1 & ,i 0 /&+ beside him4 ,k5n$y1 9 a daze at ! sight ( ,ela9e & ,b5nett1 pass$ u1 sc>cely notic+ :o we 74 ,z ,craig collect$ 8 scatt]$ =ces1 ,long ,s9 motion$ to him1 z if he _h a message to deliv]4 ,k5n$y fr[n$ suspici\sly4 ,he 0 ab\t to turn away1 :5 ! ,*9aman began plead+ e>ne/ly = a *ance to say a few words4 ,/ep aside = a mom5t1 y fell[s1 won't y please1 ,craig ask$4 ,i w he> :at y h to say1 ,long ,s94 ,long ,s9 look$ ab\t craftily4 ,:at is x8 prompt$ ,craig1 see+ t at la/ !y 7 all alone4 ,long ,s9 aga9 look$ ar\nd4 ,swe> t ,i w g free & n suff]1 ,long ,s9 :isp]$1 & ,i w betray ! great ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,k5n$y /udi$ ! ,*9aman ke5ly = a mom5t4 ,!n1 seem+ly satisfi$ ) ! scrut9y1 he nodd$ sl[ly ass5t4 ,z ,craig did s1 ,i saw ,long ,s9 lean ov] & :isp] into ,k5n$y's e>4 ,craig />t$ back 9 horror & surprise4 ,,*apt] ,,xiv ,,! ,,reckon+ ,pac+ up & d[n 8 d5 9 ! he>t ( ,*9at[n1 ,long ,s9 0 ?9k+ ov] 8 b>ga9 ) ,k5n$y to betray ! infam\s ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,x 0 a small room 9 a small & unpret5ti\s h\se1 b x adequately express$ ! "* ( ! subtle ,ori5tal4 ,! d5 0 lavi%ly furni%$1 :ile ! guileful ,long ,s9 himself wore a ri*ly figur$ l\ng+ g[n ( ! f9e/ & co/lie/ silk1 *os5 = ! express purpose ( h>moniz+ ) ! luxuri\s ,f> ,ea/]n hang+s & furniture s z to impress 8 foll[]s & ^? :om he might *oose z visitors4 ,at l5g? he seat$ himself at a teakwood table1 /ill delib]at+ ov] ! promise he _h be5 =c$ to make to ,k5n$y4 ,he sat = "s mom5ts1 deeply absorb$ 9 ?\ght4 ,sudd5ly an idea seem$ to /rike him4 ,lift+ a little hamm]1 he /ruck a ,*9ese gong on ! table at 8 side4 ,at ! same "t1 he lean$ ov] & turn$ a knob at ! side ( a l>ge roll-top desk4 ,a few seconds lat] a sort ( hat*way1 cov]$ by a rug on ! floor1 9 "o corn] ( ! room1 0 sl[ly lift$ & ,long ,s9's secret>y1 a sall[1 cadav]\s ,*9aman1 appe>$ f bel[4 ,he /epp$ noiselessly into ! room & %uffl$ across to ,long ,s94 ,long ,s9 sc[l$1 z ?\gh some?+ _h int]f]$ ) 8 own plans1 b tore op5 ! envelope )\t a ^w1 spread+ out on 8 lap ! %eet ( pap] x conta9$4 ,! lett] bore a typewritt5 message1 all 9 capitals1 :i* read3 ,,be ,,at ,,headqu>t]s ,,at #ab4 ,,de/roy ,,?is ,,imm$iately4 ,at ! bottom ( ! note appe>$ ! s9i/] signature ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,z soon z he _h f9i%$ read+ ! note1 ! ,*9aman turn$ to 8 obsequi\s secret>y1 :o /ood motionless1 ) fold$ arms & head meekly b5t4 ,v well1 he said ) an imp]i\s wave ( 8 h&4 ,y may g4 ,b[+ l[ aga91 ! secret>y %uffl$ across & d[n aga9 ?r\gh ! hat*way1 clos+ ! door z he desc5d$4 ,long ,s9 read ! note once m1 :ile 8 inscrutable face assum$ an expression ( malici\s cunn+4 ,!n he glanc$ at 8 heavy gold wat*4 ,) an air ( delib]ation1 he rea*$ = a mat* & /ruck x4 ,he _h j plac$ ! pap] 9 ! flame :5 sudd5ly he seem$ to *ange 8 m9d4 ,he ha/ily blew out ! mat* :i* _h de/roy$ only a corn] ( ! pap]1 !n fold$ ! note c>efully & plac$ x 9 8 pocket4 ,a few mom5ts lat]1 ) a malignant *uckle1 ,long ,s9 rose sl[ly & left ! room4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 ! ma/] crim9al 0 busily engag$ 9 putt+ ! f9i%+ t\*es to a f9al s*eme ( fi5di% +5uity = ! absolute de/ruction ( ,craig ,k5n$y4 ,he _h be5 at "w 9 a small room1 fitt$ up z a sort ( laboratory1 9 ! my/]i\s h\se :i* n[ s]v$ z 8 headqu>t]s4 ,on all sides 7 %elves fill$ ) bottles ( deadly liquids & sci5tific app>atus = crime4 ,j>s ( picric acid1 nitric acid1 c>boys ( o!r *emicals1 packages labell$ gunp[d]1 gun cotton & nitroglyc]9e1 z well z c>efully /opp]$ bottles ( prussic acid1 & ! cyanides1 ars5ic & o!r poisons made ! place be> ! look ( a v]itable devil's work%op4 ,clut*+ ,h&1 at a b5* 9 "o corn]1 _h j complet$ an inf]nal ma*9e ( diabolical cunn+1 & 0 wrapp+ x c>efully 9 pap] to make an innoc5t package4 ,he 0 int]rupt$ by a knock at ! door4 ,lay+ d[n ! bomb he w5t to answ] ! summons ) a /eal?y movem5t4 ,!re /ood ,long ,s91 :o _h disguis$ himself z a ,*9ese laundryman4 ,on "t--good6 gr[l$ ,clut*+ ,h& surlily z he clos$ ! door ) equal c>e4 ,no "t 0 wa/$ 9 useless =malities4 ,?is is a bomb1 he w5t on1 po9t+ to ! package4 ,c>ry x c>efully4 ,on no acc\nt let x slip1 or y are a dead man4 ,x mu/ be 9 ,k5n$y's laboratory be=e night4 ,und]/&8 ,c y arrange x8 ,long ,s9 look$ ! dang]\s package ov]1 !n ) an impassive look1 repli$1 ,h no fe>4 ,i c d x4 ,x w be 9 ! laboratory )9 an h\r4 ,tru/ me4 ,long ,s9 nodd$ sagely1 :ile ,clut*+ ,h& gr[l$ 8 approval z he op5$ ! door & let out ! ,*9aman4 ,long ,s9 dep>t$ z /eal?ily z he _h come1 ! frightful eng9e ( de/ruction hugg$ up c>efully "u 8 wide-sleev$ coolie %irt4 ,= a mom5t ,clut*+ ,h& gave himself up to ! exquisite contemplation ( :at he _h j done1 !n turn$ to clean up 8 work%op4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ,k5n$y's laboratory ,i 0 wat*+ ,craig make "s exp]im5ts ) a new ,x-ray app>atus :i* _h j arriv$1 occasionally look+ ?r\gh ! fluoroscope :5 he 0 exam9+ "s unusually int]e/+ object4 ,we 7 oblivi\s to ! passage ( "t1 & only a call ov] our speak+ tube div]t$ our att5tion4 ,i op5$ ! door & a few seconds lat] ,long ,s9 himself ent]$4 ,k5n$y look$ up inquir+ly z ! ,*9aman approa*$1 hold+ out a package :i* he c>ri$4 ,a bomb1 he said1 9 ! mo/ matt] ( fact way4 ,i promis$ to h x plac$ 9 y\r laboratory be=e night4 ,! placid air ) :i* ! grotesque look+ ,*9aman imp>t$ ?is a/\nd+ in=mation 0 9 itself prepo/]\s4 ,8 actions & words z he laid ! package d[n g+]ly on ! laboratory table indicat$ t he 0 tell+ ! tru?4 ,k5n$y & ,i />$ at ea* o!r 9 blank amazem5t = a mom5t4 ,!n ! humor ( ! ?+ /ruck u bo? & we laugh$ outright4 ,clut*+ ,h& _h told him to deliv] x--& he _h done s6 ,ha/ily ,i fill$ a pail ) wat] & br\ght x to ,k5n$y4 ,if x is really a bomb1 ,i rem>k$1 :y n put ! ?+ out ( commission8 ,no1 no1 ,walt]1 he cri$ quickly1 %ak+ 8 head4 ,if x's a *emical bomb1 ! wat] might be j ! ?+ to make ! *emicals run toge!r & set x (f4 ,no1 let u see :at ! new ,x-ray ma*9e c tell u1 fir/4 ,he took ! bomb & c>efully plac$ x "u ! wond]ful rays1 !n ) ! fluoroscope ov] 8 eyes /udi$ ! %ad[ ca/ by ! rays on its s5sitive scre54 ,= sev]al m9utes he cont9u$ safely /udy+ x f e angle1 until he ?or\ghly und]/ood x4 ,x's a bomb1 sure en\gh1 ,craig exclaim$1 look+ up f x at la/ to me4 ,x's tim$ by an +5i\s & noiseless little piece ( clockwork1 9 !re1 too4 ,& x's p[]ful en\gh to bl[ u all1 ! laboratory includ$1 to k+dom come4 ,z he spoke1 & be=e ,i c\ld remon/rate ) him1 he took ! inf]nal ma*9e & plac$ x on a table :]e he set to "w on ! mo/ delicate & dang]\s piece ( dissection ( :i* ,i h ev] he>d4 ,c>efully unwrapp+ ! bomb & unscrew+ "o "p :ile he held ano!r firm1 he f9ally took out ( x a bottle ( liquid & "s p[d]4 ,!n he plac$ a few gra9s ( ! p[d] on a di% & dropp$ on x a drop or two ( ! liquid4 ,!re 0 a bright fla%1 z ! p[d] ignit$ in/antly4 ,j :at ,i expect$1 comm5t$ ,k5n$y ) a nod1 z he exam9$ ! clev] workman%ip ( ! bomb4 ,"o ?+ t int]e/$ him 0 t "p ( ! cont5ts _h be5 wrapp$ 9 pap] to keep !m 9 place4 ,?is pap] he 0 n[ c>efully exam9+ ) a h& l5s4 ,z ne>ly z ,i c\ld make x out1 ! pap] conta9$ "p ( a typewritt5 *emical =mula1 :i* read3 ,,t9cture ,,( ,,iod9e ,,?ree ,,p>ts ,,(--- ,he look$ up f 8 /udy ( ! microscope to ,long ,s94 ,tell me j h[ x happ5$ t y got ?is bomb1 he ask$4 ,)\t hesitation1 ! ,*9aman recit$ ! circum/ances1 beg9n+ ) ! note by :i* he _h be5 summon$4 ,a note8 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 eag]ly4 ,0 x typewritt58 ,long ,s9 rea*$ into 8 pocket & produc$ ! note itself1 :i* he _h n burn$4 ,z ,craig /udi$ ! typewritt5 message f ! ,clut*+ ,h& ,i c\ld see t he 0 gr[+ m & m excit$4 ,at la/ he has giv5 u some?+ typewritt51 he exclaim$4 ,to mo/ p1 ,i suppose1 x seems t typewrit+ is ! be/ way to conceal id5tity4 ,b !re are a ?\s& & "o ways ( id5tify+ typewrit+4 ,clut*+ ,h& knew t4 ,t 0 :y he 0 s c>eful to ord] ?is note de/roy$4 ,z = ! bomb1 he figur$ t x w\ld de/roy itself4 ,he 0 plac+ "o piece ( typewrit+ aft] ano!r "u ! l5s1 scrut9iz+ ea* lett] closely4 ,look1 ,walt]1 he rem>k$ at l5g?1 tak+ a f9e tipp$ p5cil & po9t+ at ! di/+ui%+ m>ks z he talk$1 ,y w notice t all ! ',t's' 9 ?is note are batt]$ & fa9t z well z j a trifle out ( alignm5t4 ,n[ ,i w place ! pap] f ! bomb "u ! l5s & y w also see t ! ',t's' 9 ! scrap ( =mula h exactly ! same appe>ance4 ,t indicat$1 )\t ! possibility ( a d\bt1 tak5 9 connection ) a score ( o!r peculi>ities 9 ! lett]s :i* ,i c\ld pick out t bo? 7 writt5 on ! same typewrit]4 ,i h select$ ! ',t' because x is ! mo/ m>k$4 ,i /ra9$ my eyes to look4 ,sure en\gh1 ,k5n$y 0 "r4 ,!re 0 t unmi/akable id5tity betwe5 ! ,t's 9 ! =mula & ! note4 ,k5n$y _h be5 gaz+ at ! floor1 8 face puck]$ 9 ?\ght z ,i look$4 ,sudd5ly he slapp$ 8 h&s toge!r1 z if he _h made a great discov]y4 ,i've /ruck x6 he exclaim$1 jump+ up4 ,i 0 wond]+ :]e ,i _h se5 typewrit+ t rem9ds me ( ?is4 ,walt]1 get on y\r coat & hat4 ,we are on ! "r trail at la/4 ,) ,long ,s9 we hurri$ out ( ! laboratory1 leav+ him at ! ne>e/ taxicab /&1 :]e we jump$ into a wait+ c>4 ,x is ! clue ( ! batt]$ ',t's1' ,craig mutt]$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 9 ! libr>y knitt+ :5 ! butl]1 ,j5n+s1 ann\nc$ u4 ,we 7 admitt$ at once1 = ,aunt ,joseph9e _h nev] q und]/ood :at 0 ! tr\ble betwe5 ,ela9e & ,craig1 & _h a high reg>d = him4 ,:]e is--,miss ,dodge8 inquir$ ,k5n$y1 ) suppress$ excitem5t z we ent]$4 ,i ?9k %e's out %opp+ & ,i don't "k j :5 %e w be back1 answ]$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 ) "s surprise4 ,:y8 ,is x any?+ important--any news8 ,v important1 return$ ,k5n$y excit$ly4 ,i ?9k ,i h ! be/ clue yet4 ,only--x w be necess>y to look ?r\gh "s ( ! h\sehold correspond5ce imm$iately to see :e!r !re are c]ta9 lett]s4 ,i w\ldn't be surpris$ if %e _h "s--p]haps n v p]sonal--b ,i ,,mu/ see !m4 ,aunt ,joseph9e seem$ nonpluss$ at fir/4 ,i ?\ght %e 0 go+ to refuse to all[ ,craig to proce$4 ,b f9ally %e ass5t$4 ,k5n$y lo/ no "t4 ,he w5t to a desk :]e ,ela9e g5]ally sat1 & quickly took out sev]al typewritt5 lett]s4 ,he exam9$ !m closely1 reject+ "o aft] ano!r1 until f9ally he came to "o t seem$ to int]e/ him4 ,he sep>at$ x f ! re/ & fell to /udy+ x1 comp>+ x ) ! pap] f ! bomb & ! note :i* ,long ,s9 _h receiv$ f ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,!n he fold$ ! lett] s t bo? ! signature & ! address c\ld n be read by u4 ,a portion ( ! lett]1 ,i recall1 read some?+ l ?is3 ,?is is 8 cont5tion3 :]eas ,,tru? is ! only goal & ,,matt] is non-exi/5t-- ,look at ?is1 ,walt]1 rem>k$ ,craig1 ) difficulty re/ra9+ himself1 ,:at d y make ( x8 ,a glance at ! typewrit+ 0 suffici5t to %[ me t ,k5n$y _h inde$ made an important discov]y4 ,! writ+ ( ! lett] :i* he _h j f\nd 9 ,ela9e's desk correspond$ 9 e respect ) t 9 ! ,clut*+ ,h& note & t on ! bomb =mula4 ,9 ea* in/ance !re 7 ! same fa9tness1 ! same crook$ alignm5t1 ! same batt]$ appe>ance ( all ! lett] ,t's4 ,we />$ at ea* o!r almo/ too daz$ to speak4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at t mom5t we 7 />tl$ by ! sudd5 appe>ance ( ,ela9e h]self1 :o _h come 9 unexpect$ly f h] %opp+ exp$ition4 ,%e ent]$ ! room c>ry+ 9 h] arms a huge bun* ( roses :i* %e _h evid5tly j receiv$4 ,h] face 0 half buri$ 9 ! fragrant blossoms1 b 0 fair] ?an ev5 !y 9 _! select$ elegance4 ,! mom5t %e saw ,craig1 h[ev]1 %e /opp$ %ort ) a look ( great surprise4 ,k5n$y1 on 8 "p1 :o 0 seat$ at ! desk /ill trac+ out ! simil>ities ( ! lett]s1 /ood up1 half hesitat+ :at to say4 ,he b[$ & %e return$ 8 salutation ) a v cool nod4 ,h] ke5 eye _h n miss$ ! fact t sev]al ( h] lett]s lay scatt]$ ov] ! top ( ! desk4 ,:at are y do+ ) my lett]s1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y8 %e ask$1 9 an a/oni%$ tone1 evid5tly res5t+ ! unc]emoni\sness ) :i* he _h app>5tly be5 ov]haul+ h] correspond5ce4 ,z gu>d$ly z possible1 ,k5n$y met h] inquiry1 :i* ,i c\ld n myself blame h] = mak+4 ,i beg p>don1 ,miss ,dodge1 he said1 b a matt] has j come up :i* necessitat$ m]ely a cursory exam9ation ( "s purely =mal lett]s :i* might h an important be>+ on ! discov]y ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,y\r ,aunt _h no idea :]e y 71 nor ( :5 y might return1 & ! absolute necessity = ha/e 9 su* an important matt] is my only excuse = exam9+ a few m9or lett]s )\t fir/ obta9+ y\r p]mission4 ,%e said no?+4 ,at ano!r "t1 su* an explanation w\ld h be5 in/antly accept$4 ,n[1 h[ev]1 x 0 diff]5t4 ,k5n$y read ! look on h] face1 & an in/ant lat] turn$ to ,aunt ,joseph9e & myself4 ,i w\ld v mu* appreciate a *ance to say a few words to ,miss ,dodge alone1 he intimat$4 ,i h _h no su* opportunity = "s "t4 ,if y w\ld be s k9d z to leave u 9 ! libr>y--= a few m9utes-- ,he did n f9i% ! s5t5ce4 ,aunt ,joseph9e _h already begun to )draw & ,i foll[$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,= a mom5t or two1 ,craig & ,ela9e look$ at ea* o!r1 nei!r say+ a ^w1 ea* wond]+ j :at 0 9 ! o!r's m9d4 ,k5n$y 0 wond]+ if !re 0 any ,x-ray t might read a woman's he>t1 z he 0 accu/om$ to read o!rs ( nature's secrets4 ,he cle>$ 8 ?roat1 ! obvi\s mann] ( cov]+ up 8 emotion4 ,ela9e1 he said at l5g?1 dropp+ ! rec5t return to ,miss ,dodge1 = ! mom5t1 ,ela9e1 is !re any tru? 9 ?is morn+'s newspap] report (--( y8 ,%e _h dropp$ h] eyes4 ,b he p]si/$1 tak+ a newspap] clipp+ f 8 pocket & h&+ x to h]4 ,h] h& trembl$ z %e glanc$ ov] ! item3 ,,society ,,notes ,dame ,rumor is connect+ ! "n ( ,miss ,ela9e ,dodge1 ! heiress1 ) t ( ,p]ry ,b5nett1 ! fam\s "y lawy]4 ,! ann\ncem5t ( an engagem5t betwe5 !m at any "t w\ld n surprise-- ,ela9e read no fur!r4 ,%e h&$ back ! clipp+ to ,k5n$y4 ,z h] eyes met 81 %e notic$ 8 expression ( deep conc]n1 & hesitat$ ) ! reply %e _h evid5tly be5 j ab\t to make4 ,/ill1 z %e l[]$ h] head1 x seem$ to give sil5t confirmation to ! tru? ( ! newspap] report4 ,k5n$y said no?+4 ,b 8 eyes cont9u$ to /udy h] face1 ev5 :5 x 0 av]t$4 ,he suppress$ 8 feel+s ) a great ef=t1 !n1 )\t a ^w1 b[$ & left ! room4 ,walt]1 he exclaim$ z he rejo9$ u 9 ! draw+ room1 :]e ,i 0 *att+ ) ,aunt ,joseph9e1 we mu/ be (f aga94 ,! trail foll[s /ill fur!r4 ,i rose & mu* to ! increas$ my/ification ( ,aunt ,joseph9e1 left ! h\se4 ,an h\r or s lat]1 ,ela9e1 ^: m9d 0 n[ 9 a :irl f :at _h happ5$1 decid$ to call on ,p]ry ,b5nett4 ,two or ?ree cl]ks 7 9 ! out] (fice :5 %e arriv$1 b ! (fice boy1 lay+ d[n a dime novel1 rose to meet h] & in=m$ h] t ,mr4 ,b5nett 0 alone4 ,z ,ela9e ent]$ 8 private (fice1 ,b5nett rose to greet h] effusively & !y ex*ang$ a few words4 ,i mu/n't =get to ?ank y = ^? lovely roses y s5t me1 %e exclaim$ at l5g?4 ,!y 7 beautiful & ,i appreciat$ !m ev] s mu*4 ,b5nett ackn[l$g$ h] ?anks ) a smile1 %e sat d[n famili>ly on 8 desk1 & !y plung$ into a ve9 ( social gossip4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,b5nett l$ ! conv]sation ar\nd until he f\nd an opportunity to make a tactful allusion to ! report ( _! engagem5t 9 ! morn+ pap]s4 ,he _h lean$ ov] & n[ attempt$ to take h] h&4 ,%e )drew x1 h[ev]4 ,!re 0 some?+ ab\t 8 t\* :i*1 try z %e might1 %e c\ld n l4 ,0 x m]e prejudice1 or 0 x h] ke5 woman's intuition8 ,b5nett look$ at h] a mom5t1 suppress+ a mom5t>y fla% ( ang] t _h r$d5$ 8 face1 & controll$ himself z if by a sup]human ef=t4 ,i believe y really love t man ,k5n$y1 he exclaim$1 9 a tone t 0 almo/ a hiss4 ,b ,i tell y1 ,ela9e1 he is all bluff4 ,:y1 he has be5 aft] t ,clut*+ ,h& n[ = ?ree mon?s--& :at has he accompli%$8 ,no?+6 ,he paus$4 ,?r\gh ,ela9e's m9d !re fla%$ ! contra/ ) ,k5n$y's ev5 temp] & def]5tial mann]4 ,9 spite ( _! qu>rel & ! coolness1 %e f\nd h]self res5t+ ! rem>k4 ,/ill %e said no?+1 ?\gh h] expressive face %[$ mu*4 ,b5nett1 by ano!r ef=t1 seem$ to grip 8 temp] aga94 ,he pac$ up & d[n ! room4 ,!n he *ang$ ! subject abruptly1 & ! conv]sation 0 resum$ ) "s con/ra9t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:ile ,ela9e & ,b5nett 7 talk+1 ,k5n$y & ,i _h ent]$ ! (fice4 ,craig /opp$ ! boy :o 0 ab\t to ann\nce u & ask$ = ,b5nett's secret>y in/ead1 mu* to my a/oni%m5t4 ,! boy m]ely indicat$ ! door ( "o ( ! o!r private (fices1 & we ent]$4 ,we f\nd ! secret>y1 h>d at "w at ! typewrit]1 copy+ a legal docum5t4 ,)\t a ^w1 ,k5n$y at once lock$ ! door4 ,! secret>y rose 9 surprise1 b ,craig paid no att5tion to him4 ,in/ead he calmly walk$ ov] to ! ma*9e & began to exam9e x4 ,might ,i ask-- began ! secret>y4 ,y keep quiet1 ord]$ ,k5n$y1 ) a nod to me to wat* ! fell[4 ,y are "u arre/--& ! less y say1 ! bett] = y4 ,i %all nev] =get ! look t cross$ ! secret>y's face4 ,0 x ! surprise ( an innoc5t man8 ,tak+ ! man's place at ! ma*9e1 ,k5n$y remov$ ! legal pap] t 0 9 x & put 9 a new %eet4 ,!n he tapp$ out1 z we wat*$3 ,,be ,,at ,,headqu>t]s ,,at #ab4 ,,de/roy ,,?is ,,imm$iately ,,t9cture ,,( ,,iod9e ,,?ree ,,p>ts ,,(---- ,?is is 8 cont5tion3--:]eas ,,tru? is ! only goal & ,,matt] is non-exi/5t-- ,t ,t ,t ,t ,look1 ,walt]1 he exclaim$ z he drew out ! pap] f ! ma*9e4 ,i b5t ov] & toge!r we comp>$ ! ,t's ) ^? 9 ! ,clut*+ ,h& lett]1 ! pap] f ! bomb & ! lett] :i* ,craig _h tak5 f ,ela9e's desk4 ,z ,craig po9t$ out ! resemblances ) a p5cil1 my amazem5t gradually *ang$ into compreh5sion & compreh5sion into conviction4 ,! mean+ ( x all began to dawn on me4 ,! writ+ 0 id5tical4 ,!re 7 no diff]5ces6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:ile we 7 lock$ 9 ! secret>y's (fice1 ,b5nett & ,ela9e 7 cont9u+ _! *at on v>i\s social topics4 ,sudd5ly1 h[ev]1 ) a glance at ! clock1 ,b5nett told ,ela9e t he _h an important lett] to dictate1 & t x mu/ g (f at once4 ,%e said t %e w\ld excuse him a few m9utes & he press$ a button to call 8 secret>y4 ,( c\rse ! secret>y did n appe>4 ,b5nett left 8 (fice1 ) "s annoyance1 & w5t into ! adjo9+ room ! door to :i* ,k5n$y _h n lock$4 ,he hesitat$ a mom5t1 !n op5$ ! door quietly4 ,to 8 a/oni%m5t1 he saw ,k5n$y1 ! secret>y1 & myself app>5tly mak+ a close exam9ation ( ! typewrit]4 ,glid+ r ?an walk+ back into 8 own (fice1 he clos$ ! door & lock$ x4 ,almo/ in/antly1 fe> & fury at ! pres5ce ( 8 hat$ rival1 ,k5n$y1 turn$ ,b5nett1 z x 71 f ! ,jekyll ( a poli%$ lawy] & lov] ( ,ela9e into an insanely jeal\s & rev5geful ,mr4 ,hyde4 ,! /ra9 0 m ?an 8 w>p$ m9d c\ld be>4 ,) a look ( int5se horror & loa?+1 ,ela9e wat*$ him sl[ly *ange f ! compos$1 calm1 intellectual ,b5nett %e knew & respect$ into a repulsive1 mad figure ( a man4 ,8 /ature ev5 seem$ to be alt]$4 ,he seem$ to %rivel up & become de=m$4 ,8 face 0 t]ribly di/ort$4 ,& 8 long1 s9ewy h& sl[ly twi/$ & b5t until he became ! p]sonal embodim5t ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,z ,ela9e1 transfix$ ) t]ror1 wat*$ ,b5nett's a/\nd+ metamorphosis1 he ran to ! door lead+ to ! out] (fice & ha/ily lock$ t1 also4 ,!n1 ) 8 eyes gleam+ ) rage & 8 h&s work+ 9 murd]\s fr5zy1 he cr\*$1 ne>] & ne>]1 t[>ds ,ela9e4 ,%e %rank back1 scream+ aga9 & aga9 9 t]ror4 ,he ,,0 ! ,clut*+ ,h&6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 spite ( clos$ doors1 we c\ld n[ pla9ly he> ,ela9e's %rieks4 ,craig1 ! secret>y & myself made a ru% = ! door to ,b5nett's private (fice4 ,f9d+ x lock$1 we began to batt] x4 ,by ?is "t1 h[ev]1 ,b5nett _h hurl$ himself ^u ,ela9e & 0 sl[ly *ok+ h]4 ,k5n$y quickly f\nd t x 0 impossible to batt] d[n ! door 9 "t by any ord9>y means4 ,quickly he seiz$ ! typewrit] & hurl$ x ?r\gh ! panels4 ,!n he ?ru/ 8 h& ?r\gh ! op5+ & turn$ ! cat*4 ,z we flung ourselves into ! room1 ,b5nett ru%$ into a closet 9 a corn]1 slamm+ ! door beh9d him4 ,x 0 compos$ ( %eet iron & effectually prev5t$ anyone f break+ ?r\gh4 ,k5n$y & ,i tri$ va9ly1 h[ev]1 to pry x op54 ,:ile we 7 ?us endeavor+ to =ce an entrance1 ,b5nett1 9 a sort ( closet1 _h put on ! coat1 hat & mask :i* he inv>iably wore 9 ! "* ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,!n he cauti\sly op5$ a secret door 9 ! back ( ! closet & sl[ly made an exit4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 ! secret>y _h be5 do+ 8 be/ to revive ,ela9e1 :o 0 ly+ 9 a *air1 hy/]ical & half unconsci\s f ! t]rible %ock %e _h exp]i5c$4 ,int5t on discov]+ ,b5nett's :]eab\ts1 ,k5n$y & ,i exam9$ ! wall ( ! (fice1 ?9k+ !re might possibly be "s button or secret spr+ :i* w\ld op5 ! closet door4 ,:ile we 7 do+ s1 ! door ( a l>ge safe 9 ! secret>y's (fice gradually op5$ & ! ,clut*+ ,h& em]g$ f x1 /epp+ c>efully t[>ds ! door lead+ to ! out] (fice1 int5t on escap+ 9 t direction4 ,at t mom5t1 ,i caught sight ( him1 & leap+ into ! secret>y's (fice1 ,i drew my revolv] & ord]$ him to ?r[ up 8 h&s4 ,he obey$4 ,hold+ up bo? h&s1 he sl[ly drew ne> ! door to 8 private (fice4 ,sudd5ly he dropp$ "o h& & press$ a hidd5 spr+ 9 ! wall4 ,in/antly a heavy iron door %ot out & clos$ ov] ! wood5 door4 ,entrance to ! private (fice 0 absolutely cut (f4 ,) an angry sn>l1 ! ,clut*+ ,h& leap$ at me4 ,z he did s1 ,i fir$ twice4 ,he /agg]$ back4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! %ots 7 he>d by ,k5n$y & ,ela9e1 z well z ! secret>y1 & at ! same in/ant !y discov]$ ! iron door :i* b>r$ ! entrance to ! secret>y's (fice4 ,ru%+ into ! out] (fice1 !y f\nd ! cl]ks excit$ly attempt+ to op5 ! door ( ! secret>y's (fice :i* 0 lock$4 ,k5n$y drew a revolv] & %ot ?r\gh ! lock1 bur/+ op5 ! door4 ,!y ru%$ into ! room4 ,clut*+ ,h& 0 app>5tly seat$ 9 a *air at a desk1 8 face buri$ 9 8 arms1 :ile ,i 0 app>5tly disappe>+ ?r\gh ! door4 ,k5n$y & ! cl]ks p\nc$ ^u ! figure 9 ! *air & tore (f 8 mask4 ,to _! a/oni%m5t1 !y discov]$ t x 0 myself6 ,my %ots _h miss$ & ,clut*+ ,h& _h leap$ on me ) madd5$ fury4 ,dress$ 9 my coat & hat1 :i* he _h deftly remov$ aft] ov]p[]+ me & sub/itut+ 8 own clo!s1 ,clut*+ ,h& _h by ?is "t climb$ ?r\gh ! w9d[ ( ! out] (fice & 0 mak+ 8 way d[n ! fire escape to ! /reet4 ,he rea*$ ! foot ( ! iron /eps leap$ (f & ran quickly away4 ,%\t+ a few directions to ! secret>y1 ! cl]ks & ,ela9e1 ,k5n$y climb$ ?r\gh ! w9d[ & d>t$ d[n ! fire escape 9 swift pursuit4 ,! ,clut*+ ,h&1 h[ev]1 manag$ to elude capture aga94 ,turn+ ! /reet corn] he leap$ into a taxi :i* happ5$ to be /&+ !re1 &1 ha/ily giv+ ! driv] directions1 0 driv5 rapidly away4 ,by ! "t ,k5n$y rea*$ ! /reet ,clut*+ ,h& _h disappe>$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:ile ^! excit+ ev5ts 7 occurr+ 9 ,b5nett's (fice "s que] do+s 7 9 progress 9 ! he>t ( ,*9at[n4 ,deep und]gr\nd1 9 "o ( ! catacombs kn[n only to ! inn]mo/ memb]s ( ! ,*9ese secret societies1 0 ,long ,s9's s]vant1 ,tong ,wah1 popul>ly kn[n z ! hid]1 engag$ 9 "s my/]i\s "w4 ,a s9i/]-look+ ,*9aman1 dress$ 9 coolie co/ume1 he 0 /&+ at a table 9 a dim & mu/y1 high-ceil+$ *amb]1 fac$ ) /one & brick4 ,be=e him 7 sev]al odd %ap$ ,*9ese vials1 & f ^! he 0 c>efully measur+ c]ta9 proportions1 z if concoct+ "s p[]ful potion4 ,he /epp$ back & look$ ar\nd suspici\sly z he sudd5ly he>d foot/eps above4 ,! next mom5t ,long ,s91 :o _h ent]$ ?r\gh a trap door1 climb$ d[n a long ladd] & walk$ into ! room4 ,approa*+ ,tong ,wah1 he ask$3 ,:5 w ! dea?-dr9k be ready8 ,x is n[ prep>$1 0 ! reply4 ,long ,s9 took ! b[l 9 :i* ! liquor _h be5 mix$1 &1 hav+ exam9$ x1 he gave a nod & a grunt ( satisfaction4 ,!n he m\nt$ ! ladd] aga9 & disappe>$4 ,z soon z he _h gone ,tong ,wah1 pick+ up sev]al ( ! vials1 w5t out ?r\gh an iron door at ! end ( ! room4 ,a few m9utes lat] ! ,clut*+ ,h& drove up to ,long ,s9's h\se 9 ! taxicab &1 aft] pay+ ! *auffeur1 w5t to ! door & knock$ %>ply4 ,9 response to 8 knock+ ,long ,s9 appe>$ on ! ?re%old & motion$ to ,b5nett to come 91 evid5tly a/oni%$ to see him4 ,z he ent]$1 ,b5nett made a secret sign & said3 ,i am ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,k5n$y is close on my trail1 & ,i h come to be hidd54 ,9 a tone :i* betray$ al>m & fe> ! ,*9aman intimat$ t he _h no place 9 :i* ,b5nett c\ld be conceal$ ) any degree ( safety4 ,= a mom5t ,b5nett gl>$ savagely at ,long ,s94 ,i possess hidd5 plund] wor? sev5 million doll>s1 he plead$ quickly1 & if by y\r aid ,i c make a getaway1 a sev5? is y\rs4 ,! ,*9aman's cupidity 0 cle>ly excit$ by ,b5nett's (f]1 :ile ! b>e m5tion ( ! am\nt at /ake 0 suffici5t to ov]come all 8 scruples4 ,aft] ex*ang+ a few words he f9ally agre$ to all ! ,clut*+ ,h& said4 ,op5+ a trap door 9 ! floor ( ! room 9 :i* !y 7 /&+1 he l$ ,b5nett d[n a /ep-ladd] into ! subt]ranean *amb] 9 :i* ,tong ,wah _h s rec5tly be5 prep>+ 8 my/]i\s potion4 ,z ,b5nett sank into a *air & pass$ 8 h&s ov] 8 br[ 9 utt] we>9ess1 ,long ,s9 p\r$ into a cup "s ( ! liquor ( dea? :i* ,tong ,wah _h mix$4 ,he h&$ x to ,b5nett1 :o drank x eag]ly4 ,h[ d y propose to help me to escape8 ask$ ,b5nett huskily4 ,)\t a ^w ,long ,s9 w5t to ! wall1 &1 grasp+ "o ( ! /ones1 press$ x back1 op5+ a l>ge receptacle1 9 :i* !re 7 two glass c(f9s app>5tly conta9+ two dead ,*9am54 ,pull+ out ! c(f9s1 he pu%$ !m be=e ,b5nett1 :o rose to 8 feet & gaz$ ^u !m ) wond]4 ,long ,s9 broke ! sil5ce3 ,^! m51 he said1 are n dead2 b !y h be5 9 ?is condition = _m mon?s4 ,x is :at is call$ 9 y\r language susp5d$ animation4 ,is t :at y int5d to d ) me8 ask$ ,b5nett1 %r9k+ back 9 t]ror4 ,! ,*9aman nodd$ 9 affirmation z he pu%$ back ! c(f9s4 ,ov]come by ! horror ( ! idea ,b5nett1 ) a groan1 sank back into ! *air1 %ak+ 8 head z if to indicate t ! plan 0 f> too t]rible to c>ry out4 ,) a s9i/] smile & a %rug ( 8 %\ld]s ,long ,s9 po9t$ to ! cup f :i* ,b5nett _h drunk4 ,b1 de> ma/]1 he rem>k$ suavely1 y h already drunk a full dose ( ! potion :i* causes ins5sibility1 & x is ov]com+ y4 ,ev5 n[1 he add$1 y are too weak to rise4 ,b5nett made frantic ef=ts to move f 8 seat1 b ! potion 0 already tak+ effect1 & ?r\gh %e] weakness he f\nd he 0 unable to get on 8 feet 9 spite ( all 8 /ruggles4 ,) a malici\s *uckle ,long ,s9 mov$ clos] to 8 victim & spoke aga94 ,divulge :]e y\r sev5 million doll>s are hidd51 he sugge/$ craftily1 & ,i w give y an antidote4 ,by ?is "t ,b5nett1 :o 0 becom+ m rigid ea* mom5t1 0 unable to speak1 b by a movem5t ( 8 head & an expression 9 8 eyes he indicat$ t he 0 ready to agree to ! ,*9aman's proposal4 ,:]e h y hidd5 ! sev5 million doll>s8 repeat$ ,long ,s94 ,sl[ly1 & aft] a desp]ate /ruggle1 ,b5nett manag$ to raise "o h& & po9t$ to 8 brea/ pocket4 ,! ,*9aman in/antly ?ru/ 9 8 h& & drew out a map4 ,= "s mom5ts ,long ,s9 exam9$ ! map int5tly1 &1 ) a gr9 ( satisfaction1 he plac$ x 9 8 own pocket4 ,!n he mix$ :at he decl>$ 0 a sure antidote1 &1 p\r+ "s ( ! liquor into a cup1 he held x to ,b5nett's lips4 ,z ,b5nett op5$ 8 m\? to dr9k x1 ,long ,s9 ) a laugh sl[ly pull$ ! cup away & p\r$ its cont5ts on ! floor4 ,b5nett's body _h n[ become /ill m rigid4 ,e sign ( intellig5ce _h left 8 face1 & al?\gh 8 eyes did n close1 a blank />e came ov] 8 c\nt5ance1 indicat+ pla9ly t ! drug _h de/roy$ all consci\sness4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,by ?is "t1 ,i 0 sl[ly recov]+ my s5ses 9 ! secret>y's (fice1 :]e ,b5nett _h left me 9 ! disguise ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,ela9e1 ! secret>y1 & ! cl]ks 7 ga!r$ r\nd me1 do+ all !y c\ld to revive me4 ,mean:ile1 ,k5n$y _h enli/$ ! aid ( two detectives & 0 sc\r+ ! city = a trace ( ,b5nett or ! taxicab 9 :i* he _h fl$4 ,someh[1 ,k5n$y suspect$1 in/9ctively1 t ,long ,s9 might give a clue to ,b5nett's :]eab\ts1 & a few mom5ts lat]1 we 7 all on our way 9 a c> to ,long ,s9's h\se4 ,?\gh we did n "k x1 ,long ,s91 at ! mom5t :5 ,k5n$y knock$ at 8 door1 0 feel+ 9 8 inside pocket to see t ! map he _h tak5 f ,b5nett 0 p]fectly safe4 ,f9d+ t he _h x1 he smil$ ) 8 peculi> ori5tal guile4 ,!n he op5$ ! door1 & /ood = a mom5t1 sil5t4 ,:]e is ,b5nett8 dem&$ ,k5n$y4 ,long ,s9 ey$ u all1 !n ) a placid smile1 said1 ,foll[ me4 ,i w %[ y4 ,he op5$ a trap door1 & we climb$ d[n aft] ,craig1 ent]+ a subt]ranean *amb]1 l$ by ,long ,s94 ,!re 0 ,b5nett seat$ rigidly 9 ! *air beside ! table f :i* ! vials & cups1 ab\t :i* we !n knew no?+1 _h be5 remov$4 ,h[ did x happ58 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,he came "h1 repli$ ,long ,s91 ) a wave ( 8 h&1 & be=e ,i c\ld /op him he did away ) himself4 ,9 dumb %[1 ! ,*9aman indicat$ t ,b5nett _h tak5 poison4 ,well1 we've got him1 mus$ ,k5n$y1 %ak+ 8 head sadly1 add+1 aft] a pause1 b he is dead4 ,ela9e1 :o _h foll[$ u d[n1 cov]$ h] eyes ) h] h&s1 & 0 sobb+ convulsively4 ,i ?\ght %e w\ld fa9t1 b ,k5n$y l$ h] g5tly away into an upp] room4 ,z he plac$ h] 9 an easy *air1 he b5t ov] h]1 soo?+ly4 ,did y--did y--really--love him8 he ask$ 9 a l[ tone1 nodd+ 9 ! direction f :i* he _h l$ h]4 ,/ill %udd]+1 & ) an eag] look at ,k5n$y1 ,ela9e %ook h] beautiful head4 ,!n1 sl[ly ris+ to h] feet1 %e look$ at ,craig appeal+ly4 ,= a mom5t he look$ d[n into h] two great lakes ( eyes4 ,=give me1 murmur$ ,ela9e1 hold+ out h] h&4 ,!n %e add$ 9 a voice t5se ) emotion1 ,?ank y = sav+ me4 ,k5n$y took h] h&4 ,= a mom5t he held x4 ,!n he drew h] t[>ds him1 unresi/+4 ,,! ,,end