,,! ,,film ,,my/]y  ,,by  ,,ar?ur ,b4   
,,reeve  ,,au?or ,,(  ,! ,s\l ,sc> ,!   
,adv5turess & ,o!r ,craig ,k5n$y        
,sci5tific ,detective ,/ories           
,,cont5ts  ,,*apt]       ,i4  ,a ,,cam]a
 ,,crime     ,,ii4  ,,! ,,t9y ,,scrat*  
,,iii4  ,,tangl$ ,,motives     ,,iv4    
,,! ,,fatal ,,script      ,v4  ,,an     
,,emotional ,,maze     ,,vi4  ,,! ,,fir/
 ,,club    ,,vii4  ,,enid ,,faye        
,,viii4  ,,lawr5ce ,,mill>d     ,,ix4   
,,:ite-,,light ,,%ad[s      ,x4         
,,*emical ,,rese>*     ,,xi4  ,,=e/all$ 
,,xii4  ,,em]y ,,phelps   ,,xiii4       
,,m>ilyn ,,lor+    ,,xiv4  ,,ano!r      
,,clue     ,,xv4  ,i ,,become ,a        
,,detective    ,,xvi4  ,,enid ,,assi/s  
,,xvii4  ,,an ,,appeal  ,,xviii4  ,,!   
,,antiv59    ,,xix4  ,,ar\nd ,,!        
,,circle     ,,xx4  ,,! ,,banquet ,,sc5e
    ,,xxi4  ,,m]le ,,%irley ,,ov]acts   
,,xxii4  ,,! ,,/em  ,,xxiii4  ,,botul9  
,,tox9   ,,xxiv4  ,,! ,,invisible       
,,m5ace    ,,xxv4  ,,it*+ ,,salve       
,,xxvi4  ,a ,,cig>ette ,,case  ,,xxvii4 

,,! ,,film ,,fire ,,xxviii4  ,,!        
,,phosphorus ,,bomb   ,,xxix4           
,,microscopic ,,evid5ce    ,,xxx4  ,,!  
,,ballroom ,,sc5e   ,,xxxi4             
,,physo/igm9  ,,xxxii4  ,,cam]a         
,,evid5ce     ,,! ,,film ,,my/]y     ,i 
,a ,,cam]a ,,crime   ,cam]a6  ,k5n$y &  
,i _h be5 ha/ily summon$ f 8 laboratory 
9 ! city by ,di/rict-,attorney ,mackay1 
& n[ /ood 9 ! luxuri\s1 ornate libr>y 9 
! c\ntry home ( ,em]y ,phelps1 ! bank]1 
at ,t>ryt[n4  ,cam]a6--y "k ! call :5 ! 
director is ready to %oot a sc5e ( a    
picture8--well--at ! mom5t x 0 giv5 & ! 
fir/ & second cam]a m5 began to gr9d--%e
 crumpl$--sank to ! floor--unconsci\s6  
,hot & excit$1 ,mackay endeavor$ to     
re5act 8 case = u ) all ! hi/rionic     
ability ( a popul> prosecutor be=e a    
jury4  ,!re's :]e %e dropp$--!y c>ri$ h]
 ov] "h to ?is dav5port--s5t = ,doctor  
,blake--b he c\ldn't d a ?+ = h]4 ,%e   
di$--j z y see h]4 ,blake ?\ght ! matt] 
s s]i\s1 s al>m+1 t he advis$ an        
imm$iate inve/igation4 ,t's :y ,i call$ 

y s urg5tly4  ,be=e u lay ! body ( !    
girl1 rem>kably beautiful ev5 z %e lay  
motionless 9 dea?4 ,h] masses ( gold5   
hair1 di%evel$1 add$ to ! s(t cont\rs ( 
h] features4 ,h] wond]fully l>ge        
blue-gray eyes ) _! r>e gift = delicate 
%ades ( expression 7 clos$1 b long curl+
 la%es swept h] *eeks /ill & x 0 h>d to 
believe t ?is 0 any?+ m ?an sleep4  ,x 0
 inconceivable t ,/ella ,lam>1 idol ( ! 
scre51 belov$ ( millions1 c\ld h be5    
tak5 f ! _w :i* wor%ip$ h]4  ,i felt    
ke5ly = ! di/rict attorney4 ,he 0 a     
portly little man ( ! sort prone to     
emphasize 8 own importance & s1 true to 
type1 he _h be5 upset completely by a   
case ( g5u9e magnitude4 ,x 0 z ?\gh     
visit+ royalty _h dropp$ dead )9 8      
jurisdiction4  ,i d\bt :e!r !           
assass9ation ( a ,mc,kinley or a ,l9coln
 c\ld h unsettl$ him z mu*1 because 9   
su* an ev5t he w\ld h _h ! :ole weight (
 ! ,f$]al gov]nm5t beh9d him4 ,!re 0 no 
"q b t ,/ella ,lam> enjoy$ a c\ntry-wide
 popul>ity kn[n by few ( our ,presid5ts4

 ,h] sudd5 dea? 0 a national trag$y4    
,app>5tly ,mackay _h appeal$ to ,k5n$y !
 mom5t he le>n$ ! id5tity ( ,/ella1 !   
mom5t he realiz$ !re 0 any "q ab\t !    
circum/ances surr\nd+ ! affair4 ,ov] !  
telephone ! little man _h be5 almo/     
incoh]5t4 ,he _h he>d ( ,k5n$y's "w & 0 
fev]i%ly anxi\s to enli/ 8 aid1 at any  
price4  ,all we knew z we took ! tra9 on
 ! ,new ,york ,c5tral 0 t ,/ella 0 play+
 a "p 9 a picture to be call$ ,! ,black 
,t]ror1 t ! produc] 0 ,manton ,pictures1
 ,incorporat$1 & t %e _h dropp$ dead    
sudd5ly & )\t w>n+ 9 ! middle ( a sc5e  
be+ photograph$ 9 ! libr>y at ! home (  
,em]y ,phelps4  ,i 0 s+ul>ly elat$ at ! 
?\ght ( accompany+ ,k5n$y on ?is        
p>ticul> case4 ,x 0 n t ! tragic end ( a
 film /> ^: "w ,i _h le>n$ to love 0 n  
horrible to me1 b r because1 = once1 ,i 
?\ght ,k5n$y actually confront$ a       
situation :]e 8 k ( a giv5 angle ( life 
0 h>dly suffici5t = 8 usual analysis ( !
 facts involv$4  ,walt]1 he _h exclaim$1
 z ,i bur/ into ! laboratory 9 response 

to a hurri$ message1 "h's :]e ,i ne$ y\r
 help4 ,y "k all ab\t mov+ pictures1    
s--if y'll phone y\r city editor & ask  
him to let y cov] a case = ! ,/> we'll j
 ab\t cat* a tra9 at ,"o ,hundr$ &      
,tw5ty-fif? ,/reet4  ,because ! film _w 
_h fasc9at$ me always ,i _h made a po9t 
( be+ po/$ on its p & _! activities4 ,i 
rememb]$ ! v fir/ appe>ance ( ,/ella    
,lam> back 9 ! days ( ,g5]al ,film1 :5  
pictures 7 ei!r ,lic5s$ or ,indep5d5t1  
:5 only two companies manufactur$       
wor?-:ile scre5 dramas1 :5 any subject  
long] ?an a reel _h to be ( r>e         
excell5ce1 su* z ! art films import$ f  
,france = ! ,lic5s$ program4 ,9 ^? days1
 ,/ella rose rapidly to prom95ce4 ,h]   
l>ge wi/ful eyes _h set ! he>ts ( _m ( u
 to beat+ at /accato rate4  ,!n came    
,lloyd ,manton1 h] pres5t manag]1 & !   
fir/ ( a new type ( bus9ess man to ent] 
! picture field4 ,manton 0 ess5tially a 
promot]4 ,8 pr$ecessors _h be5 m5 c>ri$ 
to success by ! gr[? ( ! new art4 ,old  
,pop ,belman1 = in/ance1 _h be5 a       

fif?-rate oculi/ :o r5t$ & sold         
/]eopticons z a side l9e4 ,) bl9d luck  
he _h grasp$ ! possibilities ( ,edison's
 new inv5tion4 ,j be=e ! break-up (     
,g5]al ,film he _h become _m times a    
millionaire & x 0 !n t he _h s5t a wave 
( laught] ov] ! entire c\ntry by an     
actual cable to ,william ,%akespe>e1    
address ,london1 ask+ = all scre5 rights
 to ! plays writt5 by t g5tleman4       
,manton repres5t$ a second>y phase 9    
film f9ance4 ,cont95t ,films1 8 fir/    
corporation1 0 a /ockjobb+ conc]n4      
,grasp+ ! imm5se popul>ity ( ,/ella     
,lam>1 he _h coax$ h] away f ! old /udio
 out 9 ,flatbu% :]e all h] e>ly         
successes _h be5 photograph$4 ,) ! magic
 ( h] "n he sold ?\s&s ( %>es ( /ock to 
a public already f$ up on ! /ories ( !  
=tunes to be made 9 mov+ pictures4 ,:5  
mu* ( ! money s rais$ _h be5 dissipat$1 
:5 ,cont95t's quotation on ! curb sank  
to an inf9itesimal fraction1 !n x       
develop$ t ,/ella's contract 0 ) ,manton
 p]sonally4 ,manton ,pictures1          

,incorporat$1 0 =m$ to exploit h]4 ,!   
/ock ( ?is company 0 n (f]$ to outside  
inve/ors4  ,/ella's popul>ity _h 9 no   
way suff]$ f ! bus9ess me?ods ( h]      
manag]4 ,manton1 at ! lea/1 _h display$ 
r>e =esight 9 8 e/imation ( public ta/e4
 ,except = a few attempts ) e/abli%$    
/age favorites1 photograph$ g5]ally 9   
scre5 v]sions ( !atrical classics &     
back$ by affiliations ) ! produc]s ( !  
legitimate /age1 ,cont95t ,films 0 !    
fir/ conc]n to make ! five-reel feature4
 ,/ella1 z a ,cont95t play]1 0 ! v fir/ 
feature />4 ,"u ! bann] ( ,manton       
,pictures1 %e _h nev] surr5d]$ h]       
position ( pre-em95ce4  ,also1 sc&al    
someh[ _h fail$ to t\* h]4 ,^? initiat$ 
to ! inn] gossip ( ! film _w1 l myself1 
7 "u no illusions4 ,! relations betwe5  
,/ella & ,manton 7 an op5 secret4 ,yet !
 picture fans1 9 _! bl9d wor%ip1 believ$
 h] to be z !y saw h] ^u ! scre54 ,to !m
 ! wide & wi/ful innoc5ce ( h] rem>kably
 l>ge eyes c\ld n be any?+ b g5u9e4 ,!  
artlessness ( ! s(t curves ( h] m\? 0   

pro( to !m ( ! reality ( an +5u\s & v   
girli% p]sonality4  ,ev5 h] divorce _h  
help$ r ?an h>m$ h]4 ,x seem$ irony to  
me t %e %\ld h obta9$ ! decree in/ead ( 
h] husb&1 & 9 ,new ,york1 too1 :]e !    
only gr\nds are unfai?fulness4 ,!       
te/imony 9 ! case _h be5 seal$ s t no "o
 knew :om %e _h nam$ z corespond5t4 ,at 
! "t1 ,i wond]$ :at pressure _h be5     
ex]t$ ^u ,mill>d to prev5t ! fil+ ( a   
cross suit4 ,surely he %\ld h be5 able  
to sub/antiate ! rumors ( h] association
 ) ,lloyd ,manton4  ,lawr5ce ,mill>d1   
au?or & playwright & f9ally sc5>io      
writ]1 _h be5 z mu* responsible = !     
success ( 8 wife z ,manton1 & 9 a mu*   
less spectacul> way4 ,x 0 ,mill>d :o _h 
writt5 h] fir/ great ,cont95t success1  
:o _h develop$ ! peculi> type ( /ory be/
 suit$ = h]1 back 9 ! e>ly days ( ! "o  
reel & ,g5]al ,film4  ,x is commonly    
kn[n 9 picture circles t an actress :o  
scre5s well1 ev5 if %e is only a        
mod]ately good arti/1 c be made a /> )  
"o or two or ?ree good /ories & t1      

conv]sely1 a /> may be ru9$ by a        
succession ( badly writt5 or badly      
produc$ vehicles4 ,^? ( u n bl9d$ by an 
idolatr\s wor%ip = ! girl condemn$ h]   
sev]ely = ?r[+ h] husb& aside at !      
height ( h] success4 ,! public display$ 
_! sympa?y = h] by a bur/ ( r5ew$       
int]e/4 ,! receipts at ! box (fice :5ev]
 h] films 7 %[n probably delight$ bo?   
,manton & ,/ella h]self4  ,i _h wond]$1 
z ,k5n$y & ,i occupi$ a seat 9 ! tra91 &
 z he left me to my ?\ghts1 :e!r !re    
c\ld be any connection betwe5 ! trag$y &
 ! divorce4 ,! decree1 ,i knew1 0 n yet 
f9al4 ,c\ld x be possible t ,mill>d 0   
unwill+1 aft] all1 to surr5d] h]8 ,c\ld 
he pref] delib]ate murd] to grant+ h] h]
 fre$om8 ,i 0 compell$ to drop t l9e (  
?\ght1 s9ce x (f]$ no explanation ( 8   
previ\s failure to conte/ h] suit or to 
/>t c\nt] action4  ,!n my reflections _h
 /ray$ away f ,k5n$y's sph]e1 ! solv+ ( 
! my/]y1 to my own1 ! news value ( h]   
dea? & ! ev5ts foll[+4 ,! ,/>1 z always1
 _h be5 only too glad to assign me to   

any case :]e ,craig ,k5n$y 0 conc]n$2 my
 phone message to ! city editor1 ! fir/ 
intimation to any ,new ,york pap] (     
,/ella's dea?1 already _h result$ )\t   
d\bt 9 sc>e heads & an extra edition4   
,! ?\ght ( ! prom95ce giv5 ! p]sonal    
affairs ( picture play]s & !atrical folk
 _h disgu/$ me4  ,!re are />s aga9/ :om 
!re is n ! slighte/ brea? ( gossip1 ev5 
among ! /udio sc&al-mong]s4 ,any numb] (
 girls & m5 g ab\t _! "w sanely &       
s]i\sly1 conc]n$ 9 no?+ b _! success & !
 pursuit ( normal pleasures4 ,z a matt] 
( fact x _h /ruck me on ! tra9 t ?is 0  
ab\t ! fir/ "t ,craig ,k5n$y _h ev] be5 
call$ 9 ^u a case ev5 remotely connect$ 
) ! picture field4 ,i knew he w\ld be   
confront$ ) a tangl$ ske9 ( idle talk1 f
 ev]ybody1 ab\t ev]ybody1 & mo/ly )\t   
ju/ification4 ,i hop$ he w\ld n fall    
into ! popul> error ( assum+ all film   
play]s bad1 all /udios s*ools (         
immorality4 ,i 0 glad ,i 0 able to      
accompany him on t acc\nt4  ,! arrival  
at ,t>ryt[n _h end$ my reflections1 &   

,k5n$y's--:atev] !y may h be54 ,mackay  
himself _h met u at ! /ation & ) a few  
words1 to cov] 8 n]v\sness1 _h :isk$ u  
out to ! h\se4  ,z we approa*$1 ,k5n$y  
_h tak5 quick note ( ! surr\nd+s1 !     
location ( ! home itself1 ! arrangem5t (
 ! gr\nds4 ,!re 0 a spread+ lawn on all 
f\r sides1 unbrok5 by plant or bu% or   
tree--%e] prodigality ( space1 ! bett]  
to display a rambl+ b mo/ arti/ic pile (
 gray granite4 ,mask+ ! road & ! adjo9+ 
gr\nds 0 ?ick1 imp5etrable %rubb]y1 a r+
 ( m9iature =e/ l& ab\t ! e/ate4 ,!re 0 
a g>age1 set back1 & t5nis c\rts1 & a   
practice golf gre54 ,9 ! c5t] ( a g>d5 9
 a f> corn] a summ]h\se 0 plac$ s z to  
reflect itself 9 ! surface ( a gli/5+   
swimm+ pool4  ,z we pull$ up "u !       
porte-co*]e ,em]y ,phelps1 ! bank]1     
greet$ u4 ,p]haps x 0 my imag9ation1 b x
 seem$ to me t !re 0 a repress$         
animosity 9 8 mann]1 z ?\gh he res5t$ ! 
intrusion ( ,k5n$y & myself1 yet felt   
p[]less to prev5t x4 ,9 contra/ to 8    
mann] 0 ! cordiality ( ,lloyd ,manton1 j

 inside ! door4 ,manton 0 *ildi%ly eag] 
9 8 welcome1 s mu* s t ,i 0 able to     
detect a %ade ( suspicion 9 ,k5n$y's    
face4  ,! o!rs ( ! company 7 clu/]$ 9 ! 
liv+ room1 ?r\gh :i* we pass$ to rea* ! 
libr>y4 ,i f\nd small opportunity to    
/udy !m 9 ! r dim light4 ,mackay beckon$
 to a man /&+ 9 a w9d[1 pres5t+ him to  
,k5n$y z ,doctor ,blake4 ,!n we ent]$ ! 
long panel$ *amb] :i* _h be5 ! sc5e ( ! 
trag$y4  ,n[ ,i /ood1 r aw$1 ) !        
motionless figure ( ,/ella ,lam> be=e me
 9 h] la/ pitiable close-up4 ,= ,i h    
nev] lo/ ! s5se ( solemnity on ent]+ !  
room ( a trag$y1 9 spite ( ! long       
association ,i h _h ) ,k5n$y 9 !        
sci5tific detection ( crime4 ,p>ticul>ly
 did ,i h ! feel+ 9 ?is case4 ,! dea? ( 
a man is tragic1 b ,i "k no?+ m affect+ 
?an ! sudd5 & viol5t dea? ( a beautiful 
woman--unless x be t ( a *ild4  ,i      
recall$ a glimpse ( ,/ella z ,i _h se5  
h] 9 h] mo/ rec5t release1 z ! diaphragm
 op5$ on h] receiv+ a box ( *ocolates1  
s5t by h] lov]1 & playfully fe$+ "o ( !m

 to h] beautiful collie1 ,laddie1 z he  
romp$ ab\t ^u a divan & almo/ smo!r$ h] 
) affection4 ,! vivacity & *>m ( ! sc5e 
7 9 sad contra/ ) :at lay be=e me4  ,z  
,i look$ m c>efully ,i saw n[ t h] full1
 well-r\nd$ face 0 contort$ ) ei!r pa9  
or fe>--p]haps bo?4 ,ev5 ?r\gh ! make-up
 "o c\ld see t h] face 0 blot*$ &       
swoll54 ,also1 ! muscles 7 contort$2 !  
eyes look$ z if !y might be bulg+ "u !  
lids2 & !re 0 a blui% t+e to h] sk94    
,evid5tly dea? _h come quickly1 b x _h n
 be5 pa9less4  ,ev5 ! coron] has n      
di/urb$ ! body1 ,mackay ha/5$ to expla9 
to ,k5n$y4 ,! play]s1 ! cam]a m51 all 7 
s5t out ( ! room ! mom5t ,doctor ,blake 
0 c]ta9 some?+ m ?an a natural cause lay
 beh9d h] dea?4 ,mr4 ,phelps telephon$  
to me1 & ^u my arrival ,i ord]$ ! doors 
& w9d[s clos$1 po/$ my deputies to      
prev5t any int]f]5ce ) any?+ 9 ! room1  
left my in/ructions t ev]yone 0 to be   
deta9$1 !n got 9 t\* ) y z quickly z ,i 
c\ld4  ,k5n$y turn$ to him4 ,some?+ 9 ! 
tone ( 8 voice %[$ t he meant 8         

complim5t4 ,i'm glad1 ,mackay1 to be    
call$ 9 by "s "o :o kn[s en\gh n to     
de/roy evid5ce2 :o realizes t p]haps !  
slighte/ dis>rangem5t ( a rug1 =        
in/ance1 may be ! only clue to a murd]4 
,x's--x's r>e6  ,! little di/rict       
attorney beam$4 ,if he _h f\nd x        
necess>y to walk across ! floor j !n he 
w\ld h /rutt$4 ,i smil$ because ,i want$
 ,k5n$y to %[ aga9 8 m>vel\s skill 9    
trac+ a crime to its p]petrator4 ,i 0   
anxi\s t no?+ %\ld be done to hamp] him4
     ,,ii  ,,! ,,t9y ,,scrat*   ,k5n$y1 
be=e 8 own exam9ation ( ! body1 turn$ to
 ,doctor ,blake4 ,tell me j :at y f\nd  
:5 y arriv$1 he direct$4  ,! physician1 
^: practice embrac$ mo/ ( ! weal?y      
families 9 & ar\nd ,t>ryt[n1 0 an       
unusually tall1 iron-gray-hair$ man (   
evid5t compet5cy4 ,x 0 v pla9 t he      
res5t$ 8 unavoidable connection ) !     
case4  ,%e 0 /ill alive1 he respond$1   
?\ghtfully1 al?\gh brea?+ ) difficulty4 
,ne>ly ev]yone _h clu/]$ ab\t h]1 s t %e
 0 gett+ little air1 & ! room 0 /uffy f 

! lights !y _h be5 us+ 9 tak+ ! sc5e4   
,!y told me %e dropp$ unconsci\s & t !y 
c\ldn't revive h]1 b at fir/ x did n    
occur to me t x might be s]i\s4 ,i ?\ght
 p]haps ! heat--  ,y saw no?+ suspici\s1
 int]rupt$ ,k5n$y1 no?+ 9 ! actions or  
mann] ( anyone 9 ! room8  ,no1 :5 ,i    
fir/ ent]$ ,i didn't suspect any?+ out (
 ! way4 ,i _h !m s5d ev]yone into ! next
 room1 except ,manton & ,phelps1 & _h ! 
doors & w9d[s ?r[n op5 to give h] air4  
,!n :5 ,i exam9$ h] ,i detect$ :at seem$
 to me to be bo? a muscul> & n]v\s      
p>alysis1 :i* by t "t _h proce$$ pretty 
f>4 ,z ,i t\*$ h] %e op5$ h] eyes1 b %e 
0 unable to speak4 ,%e 0 brea?+ )       
difficulty2 h] he>t action 0 weak5+ s   
rapidly t ,i _h little opportunity to   
apply re/orative measures4  ,:at d y ?9k
 caus$ ! dea?8  ,s f>1 ,i c make no     
satisfactory explanation4 ,! doctor     
%rugg$ 8 %\ld]s v slightly4 ,t is :y ,i 
advis$ an imm$iate inve/igation4 ,i did 
n c>e to write a dea? c]tificate4  ,y h 
no hypo!sis8  ,if %e di$ f any natural  

organic disord]1 ! signs 7 lack+ by :i* 
,i c\ld trace x4 ,ev]y?+ indicates !    
opposite1 h[ev]4 ,x w\ld be h>d = me to 
say :e!r ! p>alysis ( respiration or ( !
 he>t actually caus$ h] dea?4 ,if x 0   
due to poison--,well1 to me ! :ole      
affair is %r\d$ 9 my/]y4 ,! symptoms    
indicat$ no?+ ,i c\ld recognize ) any   
degree ( c]ta9ty4  ,k5n$y /oop$ ov]1    
mak+ a sup]ficial exam9ation ( ! girl4  
,i saw t "s fa9t odor caught 8 no/rils1 
= he rema9$ pois$ a mom5t1 inhal+       
reflectively1 8 eyes cl\d$ 9 ?\ght4 ,!n 
he w5t to ! w9d[s1 rais+ ! %ades an     
additional few in*es ea*1 b t did n seem
 to give him ! light he wi%$4  ,9 ! room
 7 ! portable arcs us$ 9 ! mak+ ( sc5es 
9 an actual int]ior sett+4 ,!           
connections ran to heavy insulat$       
junction boxes at ! ends ( two l9es (   
/iff black /age cable4 ,ne> ! door !    
circuits 7 jo9$ & a s+le lead ( ! big   
duplex cord ran out along ! poli%$      
h>dwood floor1 c>ri$ presumably to !    
h\se circuit at a fuse box :]e suffici5t

 amp]age 0 available4 ,k5n$y's eyes     
foll[$ out ! wires quickly4 ,!n1 motion+
 to me to help1 he :eel$ "o ( ! heavy   
/&s ar\nd & adju/$ ! hood s t ! full    
/r5g? ( ! light w\ld be ca/ ^u ,/ella4  
,! arc 9 place1 he ?rew ! swit*1 & 9 !  
sputt]+ flood ( illum9ation dropp$ to 8 
knees1 tak+ a p[]ful pocket l5s f 8     
wai/coat & beg9n+ an in* by in*         
exam9ation ( h] sk94  ,i ga9$ a fre%    
realization ( ! beauty ( ! /> z %e lay  
"u ! dazzl+ electric gl[1 & 9 p>ticul>  
,i notic$ ! small am\nt ( make-up %e _h 
us$ & ! natural firmness ( h] fle%4 ,%e 
0 dress$ 9 a modi%1 in=mal d9n] dress1 (
 embroid]$ sat91 cut fairly l[ at front 
& back & ) sleeves ( "s gauzelike       
mat]ial rea*+ n halfway to h] elb[1     
h>dly sleeves at all1 9 fact4  ,k5n$y ) 
8 glass w5t ov] h] features ) extreme   
c>e4 ,i saw t he drew h] hair back1 & t 
!n he p>t$ x1 to exam9e h] scalp1 & ,i  
wond]$ :at inf9itesimal clue might be ! 
object ( 8 se>*4 ,i _h le>n$1 h[ev]1    
nev] to "q him :ile he 0 at "w4  ,) 8   

eye glu$ to 8 l5s he made 8 way ab\t &  
ar\nd h] neck1 & d[n & ov] h] ?roat &   
*e/ s f> z x rema9$ unprotect$ by ! silk
 ( h] g[n4 ,) ! aid ( ,mackay he turn$  
h] ov] to exam9e h] back4 ,next he      
return$ ! body to its =m] position &    
began to inspect ! arms4 ,v sudd5ly     
some?+ caught 8 eye on ! inside ( h] "r 
=e>m4 ,he grunt$ ) satisfaction1        
/raight5$1 pull$ ! swit* ( ! arc1 wip$ 8
 eyes1 :i* 7 wat]+4  ,f9d any?+1 ,mr4   
,k5n$y8 ,doctor ,blake seem$ to und]/&1 
to "s ext5t1 ! purpose ( ! exam9ation4  
,k5n$y did n answ]1 probably preoccupi$ 
) !ories :i* ,i c\ld see 7 =m+ 9 8 m9d4 
,! libr>y 0 a huge room ( great] l5g?   
?an bread?4 ,at "o end 7 wide ,fr5*     
w9d[s look+ out ^u ! g>d5 & summ] h\se4 
,! door to ! hallway & liv+ room 0 v    
broad1 ) heavy slid+ panels & ri*       
porti]es ( a vel\rs almo/ ! t9t ( !     
wood-"w4 ,betwe5 ! door1 situat$ 9 !    
side wall ne> ! opposite end1 & ! w9d[s1
 0 a magnific5t /one fireplace ) *>r$   
logs te/ify+ to its frequ5t use4 ,! c\* 

:]e ,/ella lay _h be5 drawn back f its  
normal position be=e ! fire1 toge!r ) a 
huge table ( c>v$ walnut4 ,! o!r two    
walls 7 an unbrok5 succession ( %elves1 
rea*+ to ! ceil+ & lit]ally pack$ )     
books4  ,fac+ ! w9d[s & ! door1 s z to  
include ! fireplace & ! wide sweep ( !  
room )9 range1 7 two cam]as /ill set up1
 ! legs ( _! tripods ne/$1 probably left
 exactly z !y 7 at ! mom5t ( ,/ella's   
collapse4 ,i t\*$ ! h&le ( "o1 a ,bell  
,h[ell1 & saw t x 0 ?read$1 t ! film _h 
n be5 di/urb$4 ,! lights1 /agg]$ & fall+
 away f ! cam]a l9es1 7 arrang$ to focus
 _! illum9ation on ! action ( ! sc5es4  
,!re 7 f\r arcs & two small portable    
banks ( ,coop]-,hewitts1 ! latt] us$ to 
cut ! %>p %ad[s & give a great] ev5ness 
to ! photography4 ,also !re 7 diffus]s  
con/ruct$ ( %eets ( :ite clo? /ret*$    
taut on frames4 ,^! reflect$ light upw>d
 ^u ! faces ( ! actors1 s(t5+ ! l[]     
features1 & s valuable 9 add+ to !      
attractiv5ess ( ! wom5 9 p>ticul>4  ,all
 ?is ,i _h le>n$ f visits to a /udio ) !

 ,/>'s photoplay editor4 ,i 0 anxi\s to 
impress my k ^u ,k5n$y4 ,he gave me no  
opportunity1 h[ev]1 b :eel$ ^u ,mackay  
sudd5ly4  ,s5d 9 ! electrician1 he      
ord]$4 ,keep ev]yone else out until ,i'm
 ready to exam9e !m4  ,:ile ! di/rict   
attorney hurri$ to ! slid+ doors1 gu>d$ 
on _! f>!r side by "o ( ! amateur       
deputies he _h impress$ into s]vice1    
,k5n$y swung ! /& ( ! arc he _h us$ back
 into ! place unaid$4 ,i notic$ t       
,doctor ,blake 0 n]v\sly int]e/$ 9 spite
 ( 8 pr(essional poise4 ,i c]ta9ly 0    
bur/+ ) curiosity to "k :at ,k5n$y _h   
f\nd4  ,! electrician1 a wiz5$ vet]an ( 
! /udios1 ) a bald head :i* gli/5$ r    
ridicul\sly1 ent]$ z ?\gh he expect$ to 
be held = ! dea? ( ! /> on ! spot4  ,i  
don't "k no?9'1 he began1 be=e anyone   
c\ld />t to "q him4 ,i 0 outside :5 !y  
yell$1 hone/6 ,i 0 see+ :e!r m'lead 0   
gett+ hot1 & ,i he>d 'em call to d\se ! 
glim1 an'--  ,put on all y\r            
lights--,k5n$y 0 unusually %>p1 al?\gh x
 0 pla9 he held no suspicion ( ?is man1 

z he add$--j z y _h !m4  ,z !           
electrician w5t f /& to /& sulkily1 !re 
0 a sputt] f ! arcs1 almo/ deaf5+ 9 !   
conf9es ( ! room1 & q a bit ( f9e :ite  
smoke4 ,b 9 a mom5t ! corn] ( ! libr>y  
con/itut+ ! set 0 brilliantly1 dazzl+ly 
light$4 ,to me x 0 q l be+ transport$   
into "o ( ! big /udios 9 ! city4  ,is   
?is ! l>ge/ portion ( ! room !y us$8    
,k5n$y ask$4 ,did y h y\r /&s any f>!r  
back8  ,?is 0 ! bigge/ lay-out1 sir6    
repli$ ! man4  ,7 all ! sc5es 9 :i*     
,miss ,lam> appe>$ be=e h] dea? 9 ?is   
corn] ( ! room8  ,yes1 sir6  ,& ?is 0 ! 
way y _h ! sc5e light$ :5 %e dropp$     
unconsci\s8  ,yes1 sir6 ,i pull$        
m'lights an'--an' !y lift$ h] up & put  
h] "r !re :]e %e is1 sir6  ,k5n$y paid  
no att5tion to ! la/2 9 fact1 ,i d\bt   
:e!r he he>d x4 ,dropp+ to h&s & knees  
imm$iately1 he began a se>* ( ! floor & 
c>pet z m9utely pa9/ak+ z ! inspection  
he _h giv5 ,/ella's own p]son4          
,in/9ctively ,i drew back1 to be out ( 8
 way1 z did ,doctor ,blake & ,mackay4 ,!

 electrician1 ,i notic$1 seem$ to grasp 
n[ ! reason = ! summons :i* und\bt$ly _h
 fright5$ him badly4 ,he gave 8 att5tion
 to 8 lights1 /rok+ a refractory        
,coop]-,hewitt tube = all ! _w z if "s  
m9or sc5e 9 ! /ory 7 be+ photograph$4 ,x
 0 h>d to realize t x 0 n ano!r picture 
sc5e1 b t ,craig ,k5n$y1 9 my op9ion !  
f\nd] ( ! sci5tific s*ool ( mod]n       
detectives1 0 se>*+ out 9 ?is /range    
environm5t ! clue to a real murd] s     
my/]i\s t ! v cause ( dea? 0 z yet      
undet]m9$4  ,i 0 hop+ = a display ( !   
rem>kable brilliance ,craig _h %[n 9 s  
_m ( ! cases br\ght to 8 att5tion4 ,i   
half expect$ to see him rise f ! floor )
 "s t9y some?+ 9 8 h&1 "s object        
ov]look$ by ev]yone else1 "s tangible   
evid5ce :i* w\ld lead to ! imm$iate     
appreh5sion ( ! p]petrator ( ! crime4 ,t
 ,/ella ,lam> _h met h] dea? by f\l     
means ,i did n d\bt = an in/ant1 & s ,i 
wait$ fev]i%ly = ! conclusion ( ,k5n$y's
 se>*4  ,z x happ5$1 ?is 0 n de/9$ to be
 "o ( 8 cases cle>$ up 9 a brief few    

h\rs ( int5sive ef=t4 ,he cov]$ e in* ( 
! floor )9 ! illum9at$ area2 !n he turn$
 8 att5tion to ! walls & furniture & !  
re/ ( ! room 9 some:at m p]functory1 b  
no less skillful mann]4 ,fully fifte5   
m9utes elaps$1 b ,i knew f 8 expression 
t he _h discov]$ no?+4 ,9 a wr++        
p]spiration f ! heat ( ! arcs1 b        
nev]!less glad to h _h ! int5se light at
 8 disposal1 he motion$ to ! electrician
 to turn !m (f & to leave ! room4  ,f9d 
any?+1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y8 qu]i$ ! physician   
once m4  ,k5n$y beckon$ all ( u to !    
side ( ! ill-fat$ actress4 ,lift+ ! "r  
arm1 f9d+ ! spot :i* _h caus$ 8         
exclamation be=e1 he h&$ 8 pocket l5s to
 ,doctor ,blake4 ,aft] a mom5t a l[     
:i/le escap$ ! lips ( ! physician4      
,next x 0 my turn4 ,z ,i /oop$ ov] ,i   
caught1 above ! fa9t sc5t ( import$     
p]fume :i* %e affect$1 a peculi>        
putresc5t odor4 ,?is x 0 :i* _h caught  
,k5n$y's no/rils4 ,!n ?r\gh ! glass ,i  
c\ld detect ^u h] =e>m ! t9ie/ possible 
scrat* end+ 9 an almo/ invisible        

puncture1 su* z might h be5 made by a v 
%>p ne$le or ! po9t ( an incr$ibly f9e  
hypod]mic syr+e4 ,draw+ back1 ,i glanc$ 
aga9 at h] face1 :i* ,i _h already not$ 
0 blot*$ & some:at swoll5 b5ea? !       
make-up4 ,aga9 ,i ?\ght t ! muscles 7   
contort$1 t ! eyes 7 bulg+ slightly1 t  
!re 0 a blui% t+e to h] sk9 su* z 9     
cyanosis or asphyxiation4 ,x may h be5  
imag9ation1 b ,i 0 n[ sure t h]         
expression reveal$ pa9 or fe> or bo?4   
,:5 ,i look$ at h] fir/ ,i _h be5 unable
 to =get my impression ( ye>s4 ,be=e me 
!re _h be5 ! once liv+ =m ( ,/ella      
,lam>1 :om ,i _h dream$ ( meet+ & :om ,i
 _h nev] view$ 9 actual life4 ,i _h     
lack$ ! p5etration to see b5ea? !       
glam\r4 ,b to ,k5n$y !re _h be5 signs ( 
! poison+ at once4 ,doctor ,blake _h    
se>*$ m]ely = ! evid5ces ( ! common]    
drugs1 or ! usual diseases su* z cause  
sudd5 dea?4 ,i recall$ ! cyanides4 ,i   
?\ght ( cur>e1 or woorali1 ! ,s\?       
,am]ican arr[ poison ) :i* ,k5n$y once  
_h dealt4 ,_h ,/ella receiv$ an         

injection ( "s new & curi\s sub/ance8   
,mackay glanc$ up f 8 inspection ( ! m>k
 on ! arm4  ,x's an awfully t9y scrat*6 
he exclaim$4  ,k5n$y smil$4 ,yet1       
,mackay1 x probably 0 ! cause ( h] dea?4
  ,h[8  ,t--t is ! problem be=e u4 ,:5  
we le>n j exactly h[ %e scrat*$ h]self1 
or 0 scrat*$-- ,k5n$y pac$ up & d[n 9   
front ( ! fireplace4 ,!n he confront$   
ea* ( u 9 turn1 sudd5ly s]i\s4 ,n a ^w (
 :at ,i h discov]$1 he w>n$4     ,,iii  
,,tangl$ ,,motives   ,d y wi% to exam9e 
! p n[8 ,mackay ask$4  ,k5n$y hesitat$4 
,fir/ ,i want to make sure ( ! evid5ce  
conc]n+ h] actual dea?4 ,c y arrange to 
h ! clo!s %e has on1 & ^? %e br\ght )   
h]1 all ( !m bundl$ up & s5t 9 to my    
laboratory1 toge!r ) samples ( h] body  
fluids z soon z ! coron] c supply y8    
,mackay nodd$4 ,?is pleas$ him4 ,?is    
seem$ to be tangible action1 promis+    
tangible results4  ,aga9 ,k5n$y glanc$  
ab\t 9 ?\ght4 ,i knew t ! scrat* 0      
worry+ him4 ,did %e *ange h] clo!s out  
"h8 he inquir$4  ,! di/rict attorney    

bright5$4 ,%e dress$ 9 a small d5 j (f !
 liv+ room4 ,i h a man po/$ & ! door    
clos$4 ,no?+ has be5 di/urb$4  ,he />t$ 
to lead ! way )\t fur!r ^w f ,k5n$y1    
pr\d to h be5 able once m to demon/rate 
8 =esight4  ,z we left ! libr>y1 ent]+ !
 liv+ room1 !re 0 an appreciable hu%4   
,"h 7 gr\p$ ! o!rs ( ! p>ty br\ght out  
by ! picture company1 a con/ra9$ ga!r+ (
 folk :o _h little 9 common beyond !    
highly specializ$ ne$s ( ! new art ( !  
scre51 an assembly ( s\ls :o _h be5 =c$ 
to wait dur+ all ! "t requir$ = ! trip (
 ,k5n$y & myself out f ,new ,york1 :o 7 
compell$ to wait n[ until he %\ld be    
ready to exam9e !m4  ,i pick$ out !     
electrician 9 ! semi-gloom & ) him 8    
fell[ memb]s ( ! te*nical /aff ne$$ 9 ! 
tak+ ( ! sc5es 9 ! libr>y4 ,! cam]a m5  
,i guess$1 & a prop]ty boy1 & an        
assi/ant director4 ,! la/1 at any ev5t1 
( all ^? 9 ! huge room1 _h summon$ up   
suffici5t non*alance to b5d 8 m9d to    
details ( 8 "w4 ,i saw t he 0 ?umb+ a   
copy ( ! sc5>io1 or detail$ work+       

manuscript ( ! /ory1 mak+ notations 9 "s
 k9d ( little book1 & x 0 t :i* enabl$  
me to e/abli% 8 id5tity at a glance4  ,9
 a diff]5t corn] 7 ! pr9cipals1 two m5 &
 a girl /ill 9 make-up1 & ) !m !        
director1 & ,manton & ,phelps4 ,ap>t f  
ev]yone else1 9 a sort ( social o/racism
 common to ! /udios1 ! two              
five-doll>-a-day extras wait$1 a butl] &
 a maid1 also 9 make-up4 ,oddly en\gh ! 
total numb] ( ^! mat]ial witnesses to ! 
trag$y 0 j ?irte51 & ,i wond]$ if !y _h 
notic$ ! fact4  ,doctor ,blake turn$ to 
,k5n$y ! mom5t we left ! libr>y4  ,d y  
feel x is necess>y = me to rema9 any    
long]8 he ask$4 ,he 0 apologetic1 yet   
di/9ctly impati5t4 ,i h neglect$ sev]al 
v important calls z x is4  ,k5n$y &     
,mackay bo? ha/5$ to assure ! physician 
t !y appreciat$ 8 co-op]ation & t !y    
w\ld sp>e him z mu* notoriety &         
inconv5i5ce z possible4 ,!n ! ?ree ( u  
hurri$ across & to ! little d5 :i* _h   
be5 conv]t$ into a dress+ room =        
,/ella's use4  ,"h 7 all ! evid5ces (   

fem99ity1 ! little t\*es :i* a woman c  
imp>t to ! smalle/ corn] 9 a few brief  
mom5ts ( occupancy4 ,x 0 a t9y alcove   
%ut (f f ! re/ ( ! liv+ room by heavy   
silk hang+s1 drawn n[ & p9n$ toge!r s z 
to assure h] ! privacy %e wi%$4 ,! "o   
w9d[ 0 high & fitt$ ) lead$ glass1 b x 0
 rais$ & af=d$ ! maximum ( light4       
,/ella's travel+ bag sprawl$ wide op51 )
 _m ( h] effects /rewn ab\t 9 attractive
 dis>ray4 ,h] suit1 9 :i* %e _h made !  
trip to ,t>ryt[n1 0 ?r[n c>elessly ov] !
 back ( a *air4 ,h] mirror 0 fa/5$ up   
ru?lessly1 ^u a h&some wov5 ,ori5tal    
hang+1 ) a long hatp94 ,p[d] 0 spill$ ^u
 ! c\* cov]1 ano!r ,ori5tal fabric1 & h]
 little box ( r\ge lay face d[nw>d on ! 
floor4  ,z we pull$ ! curta9s aside ,i  
caught ! p]fume :i* /ill clung to h]    
clo!s 9 ! libr>y beyond4 ,z ,mackay     
sniff$ also1 ,k5n$y smil$4  ,coty's     
,jacquem9ot rose1 he rem>k$4  ,) 8 usual
 swift & practic$ c]ta9ty ,k5n$y !n     
inspect$ ! extemporiz$ dress+ room4 ,he 
seem$ to satisfy himself t no subtle    

attack _h be5 made ^u ! girl "h1 al?\gh 
,i d\bt t he _h held any su* supposition
 s]i\sly 9 ! fir/ place4 ,9 my          
association ( sev]al ye>s ) ,k5n$y1     
foll[+ our fir/ intimacy ( college days1
 ,i _h le>n$ t 8 success z a sci5tific  
detective 0 ! result :olly ( 8          
?or\ghness ( me?od4 ,to wat* him _h     
become a nev]-end+ delight1 ev5 9 ! dull
 prelim9>y "w ( a case z baffl+ z ?is   
"o4 ,mackay also seem$ cont5t j to enact
 ! role ( spectator4  ,k5n$y ?umb$ ?r\gh
 ! delicate intimacies ( h] travel+ bag 
) ! ke51 imp]sonal mann] :i* always     
di/+ui%$ him2 !n he f\nd h] bead$ h&bag 
& proce$$ to rummage ?r\gh t4 ,sudd5ly  
he paus$ z he unfold$ a piece ( note    
pap]1 & we ga!r$ ar\nd to read3  ,,my   
,,de> ,,/ella3 ,h some?+ v important to 
tell y4 ,w y lun* ,tuesday at ! ,p4 ,g4 
te>oom8 ,,l>ry4  ,tuesday-- murmur$     
,k5n$y4 ,& ?is is ,monday4 ,:o--:o is   
,l>ry1 ,i wond]8  ,i ha/5$ to answ] ! "q
 = him4 ,x 0 my fir/ opportunity to     
display my k ( ! picture play]s4        

,l>ry--t's ,lawr5ce1 ,lawr5ce ,mill>d6  
,i exclaim$4 ,!n ,i w5t on to tell him (
 ! divorce & ! circum/ances surr\nd+    
,/ella's life z ,i knew x4 ,x--x looks1 
,i conclud$1 z if !y might h be5 on !   
po9t ( compos+ _! diff]5ces1 aft] all4  
,k5n$y nodd$4 ,i c\ld see1 h[ev]1 t he  
made a m5tal note ( 8 int5tion to "q !  
girl's =m] husb&4  ,all at once ano!r   
?\ght /ruck me & ,i became eag]4 ,x 0 a 
possible explanation ( ! my/]y4  ,li/51 
,craig1 ,i began4 ,suppose ,mill>d want$
 to make up & %e didn't4 ,suppose t %e  
refus$ to see him or to meet him4       
,suppose t 9 a jeal\s fit he--  ,no1    
,walt]6 ,k5n$y head$ me (f ) a smile4   
,?is wasn't an ord9>y murd] ( passion4  
,?is 0 well ?\ght out & well execut$4 ,n
 "o m$ical exam9] 9 a ?\s& w\ld h f\nd t
 t9y scrat*4 ,x may be v difficult yet  
to det]m9e ! exact cause ( dea?4 ,?is1  
my de> ,jameson--x 0 playful irony--is a
 sci5tific crime4  ,b ,mill>d--  ,(     
c\rse6 ,anyone may be ! culprit4 ,yet y 
tell me ,mill>d did n conte/ h] divorce 

& t x w\ld h be5 v easy = him to file a 
c\nt]-suit because ev]yone knew ( h]    
relation%ip ) ,manton4 ,t1 (fh&1 %[s no 
ill-w on 8 "p4 ,& n[ we f9d ?is note f  
him1 :i* at lea/ is fri5dly 9 tone--  ,i
 %rugg$ my %\ld]s4 ,x 0 ! same bl9d     
alley 9 :i* my ?\ghts _h /ray$ ^u ! tra9
 on our way out4  ,x's too e>ly to beg9 
to try to fa/5 ! guilt ^u anyone1 ,k5n$y
 add$1 z we return$ to ! libr>y ?r\gh ! 
liv+ room4 ,!n he turn$ to ,mackay4 ,h y
 succe$$ 9 glean+ any facts ab\t ! life 
( ,miss ,lam>8 he ask$4 ,any?+ :i* might
 po9t to a motive1 s t ,i c approa* !   
case f bo? directions8  ,if y ask me1 ! 
little di/rict attorney rejo9$1 x's a   
matt] ( tangl$ motives ?r\gh\t4 ,i--,i  
_h no sword to cut ! ,gordian knot &    
s--graci\sly--,i s5t = y4  ,:at d y mean
 by tangl$ motives8 ,k5n$y ignor$ !     
o!r's complim5t4  ,well6 ,mackay        
indicat$ me4 ,mr4 ,jameson expla9$ ab\t 
h] divorce4 ,no "o he>d :om %e nam$ z   
corespond5t4 ,t's an unkn[n woman 9 !   
case1 al?\gh x may n mean any?+ at all4 

,!n !re's ,lloyd ,manton & all ! talk   
ab\t 8 affair ) ,miss ,lam>4 ,"s "o told
 "o ( my m5 t ,manton's wife has left   
him on t acc\nt4  ,did y "q ,manton8    
,no1 ,i ?\ght ,i ought to leave all t to
 y4 ,i 0 afraid ,i might put !m on _!   
gu>d4  ,good6 ,k5n$y 0 pleas$4 ,did y   
le>n any?+ else8  ,?is deputy ( m9e     
obta9$ all ^! ?+s by gossip+ ) ! girl :o
 plays ! maid1 & s !y may n be reliable4
 ,b among ! play]s x is report$ t ,w]n]1
 ! director1 0 hav+ an affair ) ,/ella  
also1 & t ,m]le ,%irley1 ! 'heavy' man1 
0 se5 ) h] a great deal rec5tly1 & t    
,jack ,gordon1 ! lead+ man1 :o 0 engag$ 
to m>ry h] z soon z h] decree 0 f9al1 0 
jeal\s z a consequ5ce1 & t ,miss ,lor+1 
play+ ! vampire ,9 ! /ory & engag$ to   
,%irley1 0 ev5 m bitt] aga9/ ! deceas$  
?an ,gordon1 ,miss ,lam>'s fiance4  ,t  
made eight p ) possible motives = !     
crime4 ,:5 ,i got t f> ,i gave x up4 ,9 
fact--,mackay l[]$ 8 voice1 sudd5ly--,i 
don't l ! attitude ( ,em]y ,phelps4 ,?is
 is 8 h\se1 y "k1 & he is ! f9ancial    

back] ( ,manton ,pictures1 yet !re seems
 to be an und]curr5t ( friction betwe5  
,manton & himself4 ,i--,i want$ him to  
%[ me "s detail ( ! arrangem5t ( ?+s 9 !
 libr>y1 b he w\ldn't come into ! room4 
,he said he didn't want to look at ,miss
 ,lam>4 ,!re--!re 0 some?+--&1 ,i don't 
"k4 ,if he is conc]n$ 9 any way--t w\ld 
make n9e4  ,y ?9k ,miss ,lam> &         
,phelps--  ,mackay %ook 8 head4 ,i don't
 "k4  ,k5n$y turn$ to me1 expression    
really s]i\s4 ,is ?is ! way !y c>ry on 9
 ! picture _w1 ,walt]8 he ask$4 ,is ?is 
! usual ?+ or--or an exception8  ,i     
flu%$4 ,x's v mu* an exception1 ,i      
insi/$4 ,! film p are j l o!r p1 "s good
 & "s bad4 ,probably ?ree-qu>t]s ( all  
?is is gossip4  ,i hope s4 ,he          
/raight5$4 ,! only ?+ to d is to g aft] 
!m "o at a "t & dis5tangle all !        
conflict+ ?reads4 ,x looks z ?\gh !re w 
be any numb] ( possible false leads & s 
we mu/ be c>eful & delib]ate4 ,i ?9k    
,i'll "q ea* 9 turn--"h4  ,he walk$ ov] 
to ! fireplace1 /opp+ = j a mom5t to    

glance at ! body ( ,/ella4 ,!n he pull$ 
! bl9ds d[n halfway1 s t ! room seem$   
somb] & gruesome4 ,he drew a *air s t ! 
diff]5t individuals z he exam9$ !m1 w\ld
 be unable to lose sight ( ! dead woman4
 ,8 arrangem5ts complet$1 he fac$ !     
di/rict attorney4  ,manton fir/1 he     
direct$4  ,9 an in/ant ,i caught !      
psy*ology ( x--! n[ d>k5$ libr>y1 !     
beautiful body /ill ly+ on ! dav5port1 !
 quiet & quick arrival ( ourselves4 ,if 
any?+ c\ld be extract$ f ^! p1 surely x 
w\ld be betray$ "u ^! surr\nd+s4        
,,iv  ,,! ,,fatal ,,script   ,i _h no   
real opportunity to /udy ,manton :5 he  
greet$ u ^u our arrival1 & at t "t nei!r
 ,k5n$y nor ,i possess$ ev5 a pass+     
realization ( ! problem be=e u4 ,n[ ,i  
felt t ,i 0 ready to grasp at any       
possible motive = ! crime4 ,i 0 prep>$  
to suspect any or all ( ! n9e p enum]at$
 by ,mackay1 s f> z ,i c\ld speak =     
myself1 & at ! v lea/ ,i 0 c]ta9 t ?is 0
 "o ( ! mo/ baffl+ cases ev] br\ght to  
,craig's att5tion4  ,yet ,i 0 sure he   

w\ld solve x4 ,i wait$ mo/ impati5tly = 
! outcome ( 8 exam9ation ( ,lloyd       
,manton4  ,! produc]-promot] 0 a        
well-set-up man j approa*+ middle age4  
,ab\t him 0 a c]ta9 impression ( great  
physical /r5g?1 ( bulk )\t flabb9ess1 & 
9 p>ticul> ,i notic$ ! =mation ( 8 head1
 ! squ>e broad developm5t :i* indicat$ 8
 intellectual p[]1 & ,i f\nd1 too1 a    
fasc9at+ quality ab\t 8 eyes1 deeply    
plac$ & ( a w>m d>k gray-br[n1 :i* seem$
 to hold a fundam5tal s9c]ity :i*1 ,i   
imag9$1 made ! man almo/ irresi/ible 9 a
 bus9ess deal4  ,8 weakness1 s f> z ,i  
c\ld asc]ta9 x1 0 reveal$ by 8 m\? & *91
 & by a c]ta9 n]v\sness ( 8 h&s1 h&s :]e
 a squ>e1 practical palm 0 beli$ by !   
slight tap]+ ( 8 f+]s1 ! m>k ( ! dream]4
 ,8 m\? 0 unque/ionably s5su\s1 ) ! lips
 full & n[ & !n reveal+ out ( ! /udi$   
practic$ calm ( 8 face an almo/         
imp]ceptible twit*+1 z ?\gh to betray a 
fla% ( emotion1 or fe>4 ,8 *9 0 fem99e1 
s(t5+ 8 expression & %[+ t 8 feel+s w\ld
 ov]balance ! cool calculation d5ot$ by 

8 eyes & ! r heavy level br[s above4  ,z
 he ent]$ ! room1 tak+ ! *air indicat$  
by ,k5n$y1 he seem$ p]fectly cool & 8   
glance1 z x /ray$ to ! lifeless =m (    
,/ella1 reveal$ 8 iron self-control4 ,! 
little signs :i* ,i h m5tion$1 :i*      
betray$ ! real man b5ea?1 7 only        
disclos$ to me little by little z       
,k5n$y's que/ion+ progress$4  ,tell me j
 :at happ5$8 ,k5n$y began4  ,well--     
,manton respond$ quickly en\gh1 b !n he 
/opp$ & proce$$ z ?\gh he *ose ea* ^w ) 
c>e1 z if he fram$ ea* s5t5ce s t !re   
w\ld be no misund]/&+1 no *ance ( wrong 
impression2 all ( :i* pleas$ ,k5n$y4  ,9
 ! sc5e we 7 tak+1 he w5t on1 ,/ella 0  
cr\*$ d[n on ! floor1 b5d+ ov] h] fa!r1 
:o _h j be5 murd]$4 ,%e 0 sobb+4 ,all at
 once ! lights 7 to spr+ up4 ,! "y h]o 0
 to da% ?r\gh ! set & %e 0 to see him & 
scream out 9 t]ror4 ,! fir/ "p w5t all  
"r4 ,b :5 ! lights fla%$ on1 in/ead (   
look+ up & scream+1 ,/ella sort (       
crumpl$ & collaps$ on top ( ,w]n]1 :o 0 
play+ ! fa!r4 ,i yell$ to /op ! cam]as &

 ru%$ 94 ,we pick$ h] up & put h] on !  
c\*4 ,"s "o s5t = ! doctor1 b %e di$ )\t
 say+ a ^w4 ,i--,i hav5't ! slighte/    
idea :at happ5$4 ,at fir/ ,i ?\ght x 0  
he>t tr\ble4  ,did %e h he>t tr\ble8    
,no1 t is--n t ,i ev] he>d4  ,k5n$y     
hesitat$4 ,:y 7 y tak+ ^! sc5es out "h8 
,x 0 on ! tip ( my tongue to answ] =    
,manton4 ,i knew t at "o "t _m f9e      
int]iors 7 actually tak5 9 h\ses1 to    
save exp5se4 ,i 0 sorry t ,k5n$y %\ld   
draw any conclusion f a fact :i* ,i     
?\ght 0 too well kn[n to require        
explanation4 ,manton's answ]1 h[ev]1    
prov$ a di/9ct surprise to me4  ,mr4    
,phelps ask$ u to use 8 libr>y 9 ?is    
picture4  ,w\ldn't x h be5 easi] & *eap]
 9 ! long run to reproduce x 9 ! /udio8 
,manton glanc$ up at ,k5n$y1 e*o+ my    
?\ght4 ,_h ,k5n$y1 aft] all1 "s k (     
motion pictures /or$ away ) 8 va/ fund (
 g5]al & unusual in=mation8  ,yes1      
repli$ ! produc]4 ,x w\ld save ! trip   
out "h1 ! loss ( "t1 ! inconv5i5ce--:y1 
9 an actual doll>s & c5ts comp>ison1 )  

ov]head & ev]y?+ tak5 into acc\nt1 !    
build+ ( a set l ?is is no?+ n[adays4   
,d y "k ,mr4 ,phelps's reason8  ,manton 
%rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,j a :im1 & we _h to   
humor x4  ,mr4 ,phelps is int]e/$ 9 !   
company8  ,yes4 ,he rec5tly b\ght up all
 ! /ock except my own4 ,he is 9 absolute
 control1 f9ancially4  ,:at is ! /ory y 
are mak+8 ,i mean1 ,i want to und]/& j  
exactly :at happ5$ 9 ! sc5es y 7        
photograph+ today4 ,x is ess5tial t ,i  
le>n h[ ev]yone 0 suppos$ to act & h[ !y
 did act4 ,i mu/ f9d out e trivial      
little detail4 ,d y foll[ me8  ,manton's
 m\? set sudd5ly1 %[+ t x possess$ a    
lat5t quality ( firmness4 ,he glanc$    
ab\t ! room1 !n rose1 w5t to ! f>!r end 
( ! long table1 & return$ ) a ?ick %eaf 
( manuscript b\nd at ! side 9 /iff bo>d 
cov]s4 ,?is is ! sc5>io1 ! script ( !   
detail$ action1 he expla9$4  ,z ,k5n$y  
took ! b9d]1 ,manton op5$ x & turn$ pa/ 
sev]al %eets ( tabulation & li/s1 !     
index to ! sets & ext]ior locations1 !  
*>act]s & extras1 ! *anges ( clo!s1 &   

o!r te*nical detail4 ,! sc5es we are    
tak+ "h1 he w5t on1 are ! op5+ sc5es ( !
 /ory4 ,we left !m until n[ because x   
meant ! long trip out to ,t>ryt[n &     
because x w\ld take u away f ! /udio    
:ile !y 7 putt+ up ! l>ge/ two sets1 a  
banquet & a ballroom :i* ne$ ! entire   
floor space ( ! /udio4 ,he turn$ ov] two
 or ?ree pages1 po9t+4 ,we _h tak5 up to
 sc5e ?irte52 f sc5es "o to ?irte5 j z y
 h !m 9 ord] !re4 ,x--x 0 9 ! unlucky   
?irte5? t %e--0 x my imag9ation or did  
he tremble1 = j an in/ant1 viol5tly8--t 
%e di$4  ,k5n$y />t$ to read ! script4  
,i hurri$ to 8 side1 glanc+ ov] 8 %\ld]4
  ,,! ,,black ,,t]ror  ,,featur+ ,,/ella
 ,,lamah  ,,sc5e #a  ,,location4--,rems5
 libr>y4 ,?is is a mod]n1 luxuri\s      
libr>y set ) a long table 9 ! c5t] ( !  
room1 books ar\nd ! walls1 ,fr5* w9d[s  
lead+ f ! re>1 & an entrance ?r\gh a    
hallway to ! "r ?r\gh a pair ( porti]es4
 ,note3 ,e4 ,p4 wi%es u to use 8 libr>y 
at ,t>ryt[n4  ,,action4--,op5 diaphragm 
sl[ly on d>k5$ set z a spot ( light is  

be+ play$ on ! walls & ,fr5* w9d[s 9 !  
re>4 ,z ! diaphragm op5s sl[ly ! light  
vani%es1 leav+ ! sc5e d>k at times & !n 
bright5$ until1 z ! diaphragm op5s full1
 we discov] t ! light is t ( a burgl>'s 
fla% light1 travel+ ov] ! walls ( !     
libr>y4 ,:5 ! diaphragm is fully op5$ we
 discov] also a fa9t l9e ( light /ream+ 
?r\gh ! almo/ clos$ porti]es lead+ to ! 
hallway outside4 ,?is ray ( light1 /rik+
 along ! floor1 pauses by ! libr>y      
table1 j disclos+ ! edge ( x b n reveal+
 any?+ else 9 ! room4 ,! spotlight 9 !  
h&s ( a %ad[y figure roves across ! wall
 & to ! porti]es4 ,z x pauses !re !     
porti]es move & ! f+]s ( a girl are se5 
on ! edge ( ! silk4 ,a b>e & beautiful  
arm is ?ru/ ?r\gh ! porti]es almo/ to ! 
%\ld]1 & x beg9s to move ! porti]es     
aside1 rea*+ upw>d to pull ! curta9s    
ap>t at ! r+s4  ,,sc5e #b               
,,location4--,rems5 libr>y4 ,close      
=egr\nd ( porti]es4  ,,action4--,our    
h]o9e p>ts ! porti]es & /&s reveal$ 9 ! 
spotlight's gl>e4 ,%e is 9 d9n] g[n &   

ab\t h] ?roat is a peculi> locket (     
fla%+ jewels4 ,%e cries out & backs     
away1 clos+ ! porti]es4 ,! spotlight    
retreats f ! curta9s1 leav+ !m d>k4     
,,sc5e #c  ,,location4--,hallway1 ,rems5
 h\se4 ,close =egr\nd ( porti]es lead+  
to libr>y4 ,?is hallway is light$4      
,,action4--,! girl hold+ ! porti]es %ut 
screams = help4  ,,sc5e #d              
,,location4--,foot ( /airway1 ,rems5    
h\se4  ,,action4--,! butl] & maid are   
discov]$ talk+4 ,!y he> ! girl's scream 
& />t runn+4  ,,sc5e #e                 
,,location4--,hallway1 ,rems5 h\se4     
,close =egr\nd ( porti]es4              
,,action4--,! girl he>s help com+ &     
glances (f to indicate t %e sees ! butl]
 & ! maid4 ,%e cont9ues to cl+ to !     
clos$ curta9s4  ,,sc5e #f               
,,location4--,rems5 libr>y4 ,full %ot4  
,,action4--,! unkn[n drops ! spotlight  
to ! floor & we fir/ see 8 legs cross+ !
 rays ( light on ! floor4 ,!n !         
spotlight rolls1 reveal+ ! body ( an    
eld]ly man ( ! ,am]ican millionaire     

type1 ly+ crumpl$ aga9/ ! table4 ,f9ally
 x rolls a little f>!r & /ops1 direct+  
its rays into ! fireplace4  ,,sc5e #g   
,,location4--,rems5 hallway1 outside    
libr>y4  ,,action4--,! girl indicates   
det]m9$ resolve4 ,%e ?r[s ap>t !        
porti]es ) a quick motion ( h] arms &   
da%es inside4 ,! porti]es close aft] h]4
 ,! butl] & maid come on runn+ & look+  
ab\t4  ,,sc5e #h  ,,location4--,rems5   
libr>y4 ,full %ot4  ,,action4--,!       
spotlight is %[+ into ! fireplace :5 !  
girl crosses quickly into its rays4 ,%e 
/oops into ! light1 reveal+ h] face &   
pick+ up ! spotlight4 ,%e fla%es x ab\t 
! room1 paus+ z x /rikes ! ,fr5* w9d[s &
 reveals ! murd]] mak+ 8 escape out on a
 balcony :i* is reveal$ 9 ! backgr\nd4  
,:5 ! rays ( light rea* ! murd]] he     
delib]ately turns4  ,,sc5e #i           
,,location4--,rems5 libr>y4 ,close      
=egr\nd ( ,fr5* w9d[s4  ,,action4--,!   
intrud]1 n[ 9 ! close =egr\nd1 pauses z 
he is ab\t to %ut ! w9d[ & bl9ks        
delib]ately into ! rays ( light1 !n     

laughs & closes ! ,fr5* w9d[s4  ,,sc5e  
#aj  ,,location4--,hallway1 ,rems5 home4
 ,close =egr\nd ( porti]es to libr>y4   
,,action4--,! butl] & maid look ar\nd   
hopelessly4 ,a "y man1 ! exact c\nt]p>t 
( ! man :o 9 ! previ\s sc5e look$ into !
 spotlight at ! ,fr5* w9d[s1 comes up to
 ! butl] & dem&s to "k :at has happ5$4  
,! butl] expla9s hurri$ly t he he>d 8   
mi/ress cry out = help4 ,! "y man /eps  
to ! porti]es & pauses4  ,,sc5e #aa     
,,location4--,rems5 libr>y4 ,full %ot4  
,,action4--,! girl1 us+ ! spotlight1    
fla%es x ab\t ! room & d[n on ! floor1  
see+ = ! fir/ "t ! body ( ! ,am]ican    
millionaire4  ,,sc5e #ab                
,,location4--,ext]ior ,rems5 h\se4      
,night t9t4  ,,action4--,! murd]]       
scrambles d[n a column f ! upp] por* &  
leaps to ! gr\nd1 d>t+ across ! lawn out
 ( ! picture4  ,,sc5e #ac               
,,location4--,rems5 libr>y4 ,full %ot4  
,,action4--,! spotlight on ! floor      
reveals ! girl sobb+ ov] ! body ( !     
millionaire & try+ to revive him4 ,%e   

screams & cries out4 ,! porti]es are    
p>t$ & f ! light$ hallway we see ! "y   
man1 ! butl]1 & ! maid1 :o ent]4 ,! "y  
man swit*es on ! lights & ! room is     
reveal$4 ,! ?ree cry out 9 horror4 ,! "y
 man1 glanc+ ab\t1 leaps t[>d ! p>tly   
op5$ ,fr5* w9d[s1 draw+ a revolv]4 ,z ! 
girl sees him %e screams aga9 & d5otes  
t]ror4  ,f9i%+ ! ?irte5? sc5e1 ,k5n$y   
clos$ ! cov]s & h&$ ! script to me4 ,!n 
he confront$ ,manton once m4  ,:at      
became ( ! locket ab\t ! girl's neck8 ,9
 ! manuscript ,miss ,lam> is suppos$ to 
h a peculi> p5dant at h] ?roat4 ,!re 0  
none4  ,oh yes6 ,! promot] rema9$ a     
mom5t 9 ?\ght4 ,! doctor took x (f &    
gave x to ,b]nie1 ! prop4 boy1 :o's     
help+ ! electrician4  ,is he outside8   
,yes4  ,n[ try to rememb]1 ,mr4 ,manton4
 ,k5n$y lean$ ov] v s]i\sly4 ,j :o      
approa*$ closely to ,miss ,lam> 9 ! mak+
 ( t ?irte5? sc5e8 ,:o 0 ne> en\gh to h 
inflict$ a w\nd1 or to h subject$ h]1   
suppose we say1 to ! fumes ( "s subtle  
poison8  ,y ?9k t-- ,manton />t$ to "q  

,k5n$y1 b 0 giv5 no enc\ragem5t4        
,gordon1 ! lead+ man1 pass$ ?r\gh !     
sc5e1 he repli$1 aft] a pause1 b did n g
 v ne> h]4 ,w]n] 0 play+ ! dead         
millionaire at h] feet4  ,:o is ,w]n]8  
,he's my director4 ,because x 0 su* a   
small "p1 he play$ x himself4 ,he's only
 9 ! two or ?ree sc5es 9 ! beg9n+ & ,i 0
 "h to be at ! cam]a4  ,:ile ,k5n$y 0   
que/ion+ ,manton ,i _h be5 glanc+ ?r\gh 
! script ( ! picture4 ,my own connection
 ) ! movies _h consi/$ l>gely ( ?ree    
attempts to sell /ories ( my own to !   
produc]s4 ,ne$less to rem>k ,i _h n     
succe$$1 9 t reg>d fall+ 9 ! class ) "s 
hundr$s ( ?\s&s ( my fell[ citiz5s4 ,=  
ev]ybody ?9ks he has at lea/ "o motion  
picture 9 him4 ,& s1 ?\gh ,i _h manag$  
to visit /udios & meet a few ( ! play]s1
 ?is 0 my v fir/ %ot at a manuscript    
actually 9 production4 ,i took advantage
 ( ,k5n$y's mom5t>y preoccupation to    
turn to ,manton4  ,:o wrote ?is script1 
,mr4 ,manton8 ,i ask$4  ,mill>d6        
,lawr5ce ,mill>d4  ,mill>d8 ,k5n$y & ,i 

exclaim$1 simultane\sly4  ,:y1 yes6     
,mill>d is /ill "u contract & he's !    
only man :o ev] c\ld write scripts =    
,/ella4 ,we--we tri$ o!rs & !y all      
flivv$4  ,is ,mill>d "h8  ,manton bur/  
into laught]1 someh[ out ( place 9 !    
room :]e we /ill 7 9 ! company ( dea?4  
,an au?or on ! lot at ! film+ ( 8       
picture1 to bo!r ! director & to *ange  
ev]y?+8 ,out6 ,:5 ! sc5>io's done he's  
?r\gh4 ,he's lucky to get 8 "n on !     
scre54 ,x's n ! /ory b ! direction :i*  
c\nts1 except t y've got to h a good    
idea to />t )1 & a halfway dec5t script 
to make y\r lay-outs f4 ,anyh[-- ,he    
sob]$ a bit1 p]haps realiz+ t he 0 go+  
c\nt] to ! t5d5cy to h ! au?or on ! lot4
 ,mill>d & ,/ella w]5't on speak+ t]ms4 
,%e divorc$ him1 y "k4  ,d y "k mu* ab\t
 ! p]sonal affairs ( ,miss ,lam>8       
,well--,manton's eyes s\ght ! floor = a 
mom5t--,l ev]yone else 9 pictures1      
,/ella 0 ! victim ( a great deal (      
gossip4 ,t's ! exp]i5ce ( any girl :o   
rises to a position ( prom95ce &--  ,h[ 

7 ! relations betwe5 ,miss ,lam> &      
y\rself8 int]rupt$ ,k5n$y4  ,:at d y    
mean by t8 ,manton flu%$ quickly4  ,y h 
_h no tr\ble1 no disagreem5ts rec5tly8  
,no1 inde$4 ,ev]y?+ has be5 v fri5dly   
betwe5 u--9 a /rictly bus9ess way1 (    
c\rse--& ,i don't believe ,i've _h an   
unpleasant ^w ) h] s9ce ,i fir/ =m$     
,manton ,pictures to make h] a />4  ,y  
"k no?+ ( h] difficulties ) h] husb&8   
,naturally n4 ,i seldom saw h] except at
 ! /udio1 unless x 0 "s necess>y affair 
su* z a scre5 ball "h1 or p]haps 9      
,bo/on or ,philadelphia or "s ne>-by    
city :]e ,i w\ld take h] = effect--     
,k5n$y turn$ to ,mackay4 ,w y arrange to
 keep ! p ,i h yet to "q sep>ate f !    
ones ,i h exam9$ already8  ,z ! di/rict 
attorney nodd$1 ,k5n$y dismiss$ ,manton 
r %ortly2 !n turn$ aga9 to ,mackay z !  
promot] drew out ( e>%ot4  ,br+ 9       
,b]nie1 ! prop]ty-boy1 be=e anyone c    
tell him to hide or de/roy t locket4    
,v  ,,an ,,emotional ,,maze   ,b]nie    
prov$ to be z /upid a y\? z any ,i _h   

ev] se54 ,he possess$ fright5$          
semi-liquid eyes & ov]%ot e>s & hair :i*
 might h be5 r$ b5ea? its accumulation (
 du/4 ,)\t d\bt ! boy _h be5 coa*$ by ! 
electrician1 because he began to affirm 
8 innoc5ce 9 simil> fa%ion ! mom5t he   
ent]$ ! door4  ,i don't "k no?9'1 hone/ 
,i don't1 he plead$4 ,i 0 out 9 ! hall1 
,i 01 & ,i didn't come 9 at all until ! 
doc4 came4  ,i suppose y 7 anxi\s to see
 if ! cable 0 becom+ hot1 ,k5n$y        
sugge/$1 gravely4  ,t's x1 sir6 ,we 0   
look9' at x because x 0 on ! v>ni% & !  
butl] he says--  ,:]e's ! locket8       
int]rupt$ ,k5n$y4 ,! "o ,miss ,lam> wore
 9 ! sc5es4  ,oh6 9 disda91 t ?+6 ,) "s 
ef=t ,b]nie fi%$ x f ! capaci\s dep?s ( 
a pocket1 dis5tangl+ ! %>p corn]s f !   
torn & ragg$ l9+ ( 8 coat4  ,i glanc$ at
 x z ,k5n$y turn$ x ov] & ov] 9 8 h&s1 &
 saw t x 0 a palpable /age prop1 ) glass
 jewels ( ! *eape/ sort4 ,conceal+ 8    
disappo9tm5t1 ,k5n$y dropp$ x into 8 own
 pocket1 confront+ ! fright5$ ,b]nie    
once m4  ,d y "k any?+ ab\t ,miss       

,lam>'s dea?8  ,no6 ,i don't "k no?+1   
hone/6  ,all "r6 ,k5n$y turn$ to        
,mackay4 ,w]n]1 ! director4  ,( ,/anley 
,w]n] ,i _h he>d a great deal1 ?r\gh    
int]views1 "* /udies1 & o!r press /uff 9
 ! photoplay j\rnals & ! ,sunday        
newspap] film sections4 ,n[ ,i f\nd him 
to be a high-/rung individual1 s        
extremely n]v\s t x seem$ impossible =  
him to rema9 9 "o position 9 8 *air or =
 him to keep 8 h&s motionless = a s+le  
in/ant4 ,al?\gh he 0 ( mod]ate build1 ) 
a fair sugge/ion ( fle%1 !re 7 yet !    
m>ks ( ! arti/ & ( ! creative temp]am5t 
9 ! f9e slop+ cont\rs ( 8 head & 9 8    
rem>kably long f+]s1 :i* tap]$ to nails 
manicur$ immaculately4 ,k5n$y seem$ to  
pay p>ticul> att5tion to 8 eyes1 :i* 7  
d>k1 s(t1 & amaz+ly re/less4  ,:o 0 9 ! 
ca/1 ,mr4 ,w]n]8 ,:at 7 !y play+ & j    
exactly :at 0 ea* do+ at ! "t ( ,miss   
,lam>'s collapse8  ,well--,w]n]'s eyes  
%ift$ to m9e1 !n to ,mackay's1 & !re 0 a
 subtle lack ( ease 9 8 mann] :i* ,i 0  
h>dly prep>$ to classify z yet--,/ella  

,lam> 0 play+ ! "p ( ,/ella ,rems51 !   
h]o9e1 &--uh1 ,i see y\r associate has !
 script--  ,he paus$1 glanc+ at me aga94
 ,:5 ,k5n$y said no?+1 ,w]n] w5t on1    
gr[+ m & m n]v\s4 ,jack ,gordon plays   
,jack ,d>+1 ! h]o--! h&some "y *ap :o   
runs d[n ! /eps & enc\nt]s ! butl] & !  
maid 9 ! hall j outside ! libr>y--      
,wasn't x 8 face 9 ! ,fr5* w9d[s ( !    
libr>y at ! same "t8 ,k5n$y ask$4       
,wasn't he ! murd]] ( ! fa!r1 also8     
,no6 ,w]n] smil$ slightly1 & !re 0 an   
in/ant's fla% ( ! man's p]sonality1 w9n+
 &1 x seem$ to me1 calculat$ to inspire 
confid5ce4 ,t is ! my/]y2 x is a my/]y  
plot4 ,:ile ! p>ts are play$ by ,jack 9 
bo? cases n[1 we expla9 9 a subtitle a  
little lat] t ! crim9al himself1 !      
',black ,t]ror1' is a ma/] ( sci5tific  
imp]sonation1 & t he *anges ! faces ( 8 
emiss>ies by means ( pla/ic surg]y & su*
 sci5tific ?+s1 s t !y look l ! *>act]s 
aga9/ :om he wi%es to ?r[ suspicion4 ,s 
:ile ,jack plays ! "p x is really an    
accomplice ( ! ',black ,t]ror' :o kills 

old ,rems54  ,k5n$y turn$ to me4 ,a new 
idea 9 ! application ( sci5ce to crime6 
he rem>k$1 dryly4 ,j suppose x 7        
practicable6  ,! ',black ,t]ror' ,w]n]  
cont9u$1 is play$ by ,m]le ,%irley4     
,y've he>d ( him1 ! greate/ villa9 ev]  
kn[n to ! films8 ,!n !re's ,m>ilyn      
,lor+1 ! vampire1 ano!r good tr\p]1 too4
 ,%e plays ,zelda1 old ,rems5's w>d1 &  
x's a "q :e!r ,zelda or ,/ella w be !   
,rems5 heir4 ,m>ilyn h]self is an       
awfully nice girl1 b1 oh1 h[ ! fans hate
 h]6 ,! director *uckl$4 ,no ,mill>d    
/ory is ev] complete )\t a vamp &       
,m>ilyn's be5 eat+ !m up4 ,%e's be5 )   
,manton ,pictures = ne>ly a ye>4  ,y    
play$ ! millionaire y\rself8  ,yes1 ,i  
did old ,rems54  ,i realiz$ sudd5ly1 = !
 fir/ "t1 t ,w]n] 0 /ill 9 ! ev5+ clo!s 
he _h donn$ = ! "p4 ,on 8 face 7 /reaks 
9 ! little make-up t rema9$ aft] 8      
frequ5t mopp+ ( 8 features ) 8 h&k]*ief4
 ,too1 8 coll> 0 melt$4 ,i c\ld imag9e 8
 discom=t4  ,did y h any bus9ess )      
,/ella8 ,k5n$y ask$1 us+ ! /age t]m = ! 

m9or bits ( action 9 ! play+ ( a sc5e4  
,did y move at all :ile %e 0 go+ ?r\gh  
h] "p8  ,no1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ,i 0 'dead    
man' 9 all ! sc5es4  ,%[ me h[ y lay1 if
 y w4  ,oblig+ly1 ,w]n] /ret*$ out on ! 
c>pet1 duplicat+ 8 positions ev5 to !   
exact mann] 9 :i* he _h plac$ 8 h&s &   
arms4 ,r to my own di/a/e1 ,k5n$y       
impress$ me to repres5t1 ,i am sure 9   
clumsy fa%ion1 ! v>i\s positions (      
,/ella ,lam>4 ,mo/ pa9/ak+ly ,k5n$y     
work$ back f ! ?irte5? sc5e to ! fir/1  
ref]r+ to ! script & coax+ details (    
memory f ! m9d ( ,w]n]4  ,i grasp$      
,k5n$y's purpose almo/ at once4 ,he 0   
endeavor+ to reproduce ! action :i* _h  
be5 photograph$1 s z to det]m9e j h[ !  
poison _h be5 adm9i/]$4 ,( c\rse he made
 no ref]5ce to ! t9y scrat* & ,mackay & 
,i 7 c>eful to give no h9t ( x to ,w]n]4
 ,! director1 h[ev]1 seem$ mo/ will+ to 
assi/ u4 ,i c]ta9ly felt no suspicion ( 
him n[4 ,z = ,k5n$y1 8 face 0 unreveal+4
  ,:5 ! film 9 ! cam]a is develop$-- ,i 
sugge/$ to ,k5n$y1 sudd5ly4  ,he sil5c$ 

me ) a ge/ure4 ,i hav5't ov]look$ t1 b !
 sc5es w be f "o angle only & 9 a d>k5$ 
set4 ,i c det]m9e m ?is way4  ,some:at  
cre/fall51 ,i cont9u$ my imp]sonation ( 
! sla9 /> n altoge!r will+ly4 ,soon     
,k5n$y _h complet$ 8 recon/ruction ( !  
action4  ,:o else ent]$ ! sc5e besides  
,gordon8 he ask$4  ,! butl] & ! maid1   
aft] ! lights 7 fla%$ on4  ,i'll "q !   
cam]a m51 he ann\nc$4 ,:o are !y8  ,h>ry
 ,watk9s is ! head photograph]1 ,w]n]   
expla9$4 ,he's a crack]jack1 too6 ,"o ( 
! be/ light+ exp]ts 9 ! c\ntry4 ,al     
,p5ny's gr9d+ ! o!r box4  ,let's h      
,watk9s fir/4 ,k5n$y nodd$ to ,mackay to
 escort ! director f ! room4  ,nei!r    
,watk9s nor ,p5ny 7 able to add any?+ to
 ! facts :i* ,k5n$y _h glean$ f ,manton 
& ,w]n]4 ,:5 he _h f9i%$ 8 pati5t       
exam9ation ( ! junior cam]a man he      
recall$ ,watk9s & _h bo?1 "u 8 eyes1    
close & seal ! film c>tridges :i*       
conta9$ ! photographic record ( ! ?irte5
 sc5es4 ,dismiss+ ! m51 he h&$ ! two    
black boxes to ,mackay4  ,c y arrange to

 h ^! develop$ & pr9t$1 quickly1 b 9 "s 
way s nei!r negative nor positive w be  
out ( y\r sight at any "t8  ,mackay     
nodd$4 ,i "k ! own] ( a laboratory 9    
,yonk]s4  ,good6 ,n[ let's h ! lead+    
man4  ,jack ,gordon imm$iately impress$ 
me v unfavorably4 ,!re 0 some?+ ab\t him
 = :i* ,i c\ld f9d no ^w b sleek4 ,le>n+
 mu* f my long association ) ,k5n$y ,i  
obs]v$ at once t he _h remov$ ! make-up 
f 8 face & t he _h on a clean :ite      
coll>4 ,s9ce ! l95 worn be=e ! cam]a is 
dy$ a fa9t t9t to prev5t ! halation     
caus$ by pure :ite1 x 0 a sure sign to  
me t he _h spruc$ up a bit4 ,i knew t he
 0 engag$ to ,/ella4 ,"h 9 ?is room %e  
lay dead1 "u ! mo/ my/]i\s circum/ances4
 ,!re 0 little "q1 9 fact1 t %e _h be5  
murd]$4 ,h[ c\ld he1 really lov+ h]1 ?9k
 ( su* ?+s z ! make-up left on 8 face1  
or 8 clo!s8  ,i _h to admit t he 0 a    
h&some individual4 ,p]haps slightly less
 ?an av]age 9 height1 & v sl5d]1 he _h !
 close-knit build ( an a?lete4 ,! cont\r
 ( 8 head & ! p]fect regul>ity ( r l>ge 

features made him an ideal type = !     
scre5 at any angle2 9 close-ups &       
=egr\nds z well z full %ots4 ,9 actual  
life !re 7 little ?+s cov]$ by make-up 9
 8 "w1 su* z ! cold gray t9t ( 8 eyes & 
! l9es ( dissipation ab\t 8 m\?4  ,k5n$y
 que/ion$ him fir/ ab\t 8 movem5ts 9 !  
diff]5t sc5es1 !n ask$ him if he _h se5 
or notic$ any?+ suspici\s dur+ ! tak+ ( 
any ( !m or 9 ! int]vals betwe54  ,i _h 
sev]al *anges1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 he repli$4  
,"p ( ! "t ,i 0 ,jack ,d>+1 my regul>   
role1 b ,i 0 also ! emiss>y :o look$ l  
,d>+4 ,i w5t out ea* "t because ,i make 
up ! emiss>y to look h>d4 ,w]n] want$ to
 fool ! p a little bit1 b he didn't want
 !m to be positive ! emiss>y 0 ,d>+1 z  
w\ld happ5 if bo? make-ups 7 ! same4    
,did y h any opportunity to talk to     
,miss ,lam>8  ,none at all4 ,w]n] 0 pu%+
 u to ! limit4  ,did %e seem h] usual   
self at ! />t ( ! sc5e8  ,no1 %e seem$ a
 little out ( sorts4 ,b--,gordon        
hesitat$--some?+ _h be5 tr\bl+ h] all   
day4 ,%e h>dly w\ld talk to me 9 ! c> on

 ! way out at all4 ,x didn't /rike me t 
%e act$ any diff]5t :5 %e w5t 9 to take 
! sc5e4  ,y 7 engag$ to h]8  ,yes4      
,gordon's eyes caught ! body on !       
dav5port be=e him4 ,he glanc$ away      
ha/ily1 tak+ 8 l[] lip betwe5 8 tee?4   
,_h y be5 hav+ any tr\ble8  ,no--t is1  
no?+ to am\nt to any?+4  ,b y _h a      
qu>rel or a misund]/&+4  ,8 face flu%$  
sl[ly4 ,%e 0 to obta9 h] f9al decree    
e>ly next week4 ,i want$ h] to m>ry me  
!n at once4 ,%e refus$4 ,:5 ,i reproa*$ 
h] = n consid]+ my wi%es %e pret5d$ to  
be cool & began an elaborate flirtation 
) ,m]le ,%irley4  ,y say %e only pret5d$
 to be cool8  ,= a few mom5ts ,gordon   
hesitat$4 ,!n app>5tly 8 vanity loos5$ 8
 tongue4 ,he wi%$ x to be und]/ood t he 
_h held ! love ( ,/ella to ! la/4  ,la/ 
night1 he volunte]$1 we made ev]y?+ up &
 %e 0 z affectionate z %e ev] _h be54   
,?is morn+ %e 0 cool1 b ,i c\ld tell x 0
 pret5se & s ,i let h] alone4  ,!re has 
be5 no real tr\ble betwe5 y8  ,! lead+  
man met ,k5n$y's gaze squ>ely4 ,n a bit6

  ,k5n$y turn$ to ,mackay4 ,mr4 ,%irley1
 he ord]$4  ,by a miscalculation on ! "p
 ( ! little di/rict attorney ! heavy man
 ent]$ ! room a mom5t be=e ,gordon left4
 ,!y came face to face j )9 ! porti]es4 
,!re 0 no mi/ak+ ! ho/ility1 ! op5 hate1
 betwe5 ! two m54 ,bo? ,k5n$y & ,i      
caught ! glances4  ,!n ,m]le ,%irley    
approa*$ ! fireplace1 tak+ ! *air       
indicat$ by ,k5n$y4  ,i wasn't 9 any ( !
 op5+ sc5es1 he expla9$4 ,i rema9$ out 9
 ! c> until ,i got w9d ( ! excitem5t4   
,by t "t ,/ella 0 dead4  ,d y "k any?+ (
 a qu>rel betwe5 ,miss ,lam> & ,gordon8 
,%irley rose1 cl5*+ 8 fi/s4 ,= sev]al   
mom5ts he /ood gaz+ d[n at ! /> ) an    
expression on 8 face :i* ,i c\ld n      
analyze4 ,! pause gave me an opportunity
 to /udy him1 h[ev]1 & ,i notic$ t :ile 
he _h heavi] features ?an ,gordon1 & 0 a
 l>g] man 9 e way1 ideally end[$ = heavy
 p>ts1 !re 0 yet a c]ta9 boyi% fre%ness 
cl++ to him 9 subtle fa%ion4 ,he wore 8 
clo!s 9 a loose sort ( way :i* sugge/$ !
 ,we/ & ! op51 9 contra/ to ,gordon's   

metropolitan sophi/ication & immaculate 
tailor+4 ,he 0 e in* ! man1 & a spl5did 
actor--,i knew4 ,yet !re 0 ! t\* ( y\?  
ab\t him4 ,he seem$ incapable ( a crime 
su* z ?is1 unless x 0 9 ang]1 or z !    
result ( "s deep-runn+ hidd5 passion4   
,n[1 :e!r he 0 angry or 9 ! clut* ( a   
broad disgu/1 ,i c\ld n tell4 ,p]haps x 
0 bo?4 ,v sudd5ly he :eel$ ^u ,k5n$y4 ,8
 voice became l[ & vibrant ) feel+4 ,"h 
0 none ( ! /eel$ self-control ( ,manton1
 ! deceptive out] mask :i* ,w]n] us$ to 
cov] 8 ?\ghts1 ! non*alant1 cold        
frankness ( ,gordon4  ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 !    
actor exclaim$1 ,i've be5 a fool1 a     
fool6  ,h[ d y mean8  ,i mean t ,i all[$
 ,/ella to flatt] my vanity & lead me   
into a flirtation :i* meant no?+ at all 
to h]4 ,god6  ,y are responsible = !    
tr\ble betwe5 ,miss ,lam> & ,gordon1 !n8
  ,nev]6 ,%irley indicat$ ! body ( ! /> 
) a quick1 passionate sweep ( 8 h&4 ,n[ 
,i c\ld n tell :e!r he 0 act+ or 9      
e>ne/4 ,%e's responsible6 he exclaim$4  
,%e's responsible = ev]y?+6  ,h] dea?-- 

,no6 ,%irley sob]$ sudd5ly1 z if he _h  
=gott5 ! my/]y altoge!r4 ,i don't "k    
any?+ at all ab\t t1 nor h ,i any idea  
unless-- ,b he *eck$ himself r ?an voice
 an empty suspicion4  ,j :at d y mean1  
!n8 ,k5n$y 0 %>p1 impati5t4  ,%e made a 
fool ( me1 &--& ,i 0 engag$ to ,m>ilyn  
,lor+--  ,7 engag$8 ,! engagem5t--      
,m>ilyn broke x (f la/ night & w\ldn't  
li/5 to me1 ev5 ?\gh ,i came to my s5ses
 & saw :at a fool ,i _h be54  ,0--,k5n$y
 fram$ 8 "q c>efully--0 y\r infatuation 
= ,miss ,lam> ( long duration8  ,j a few
 weeks4 ,i--,i took h] out to d9n] & to 
! !at] &--& t 0 all4  ,i see6 ,k5n$y    
walk$ away1 nodd+ to ,mackay4  ,w y h   
,miss ,lor+ next8 ask$ ! di/rict        
attorney4  ,k5n$y nodd$4  ,m>ilyn ,lor+ 
0 a surprise to me4 ,/ella ,lam> bo? on 
! scre5 & 9 real life 0 a beauty4 ,9 !  
films ,m>ilyn 0 a beauty also1 app>5tly 
( a cold1 unfeel+ type1 b 9 ! fle% %e 0 
disclos$ z a p]son utt]ly diff]5t f all 
my preconceiv$ notions4 ,9 ! fir/ place1
 %e 0 n p>ticul>ly attractive except :5 

%e smil$4 ,h] color+1 hair frankly &    
naturally r$1 sk9 slightly mottl$ &     
pale1 produc$ 9 photography ! black hair
 & m>ble1 :ite sk9 :i* di/+ui%$ h]4 ,b z
 ,i /udi$ h]1 z %e 0 n[1 be=e %e _h put 
on any make-up & :ile %e 0 /ill dress$ 9
 a simple summ] g[n ( org&ie1 %e look$ z
 ?\gh %e might h /epp$ into ! room f !  
ma9 /reet ( "s mid-,we/]n t[n4 ,9 repose
 %e 0 %y1 diffid5t 9 appe>ance4 ,:5 %e  
smil$1 naturally1 )\t hold+ ! h>d l9es (
 h] vampire roles1 !re 0 ! slight       
sugge/ion ( a dimple1 & %e 0 ess5tially 
girli%4 ,:5 a trace ( emotion or feel+  
came into h] face ! woman 0 evid5t4 ,%e 
might h be5 sev5te5 or ?irty-sev54  ,to 
my surprise1 ,k5n$y made no ef=t to     
elicit fur!r in=mation conc]n+ ! p]sonal
 animosities ( ^! p4 ,p]haps he felt x  
too mu* ( an emotional maze to be       
/raight5$ out 9 ?is prelim9>y           
inve/igation4 ,:5 he f\nd ,m>ilyn _h    
wat*$ ! tak+ ( ! sc5es he comp>$ h]     
acc\nt ) ^? :i* he _h already obta9$4   
,!n he dismiss$ h]4  ,9 rapid           

succession1 = he 0 impati5t n[ to foll[ 
up o!r me?ods ( inve/igation1 he call$ 9
 & exam9$ ! rema9+ possible witnesses ( 
! trag$y4 ,^! 7 ! two extra play]s--!   
butl] & ! maid1 ! assi/ant director1    
,phelps's h\se s]vants1 & ,em]y ,phelps 
himself4 ,= "s unkn[n reason he left !  
own] ( ! h\se to ! v la/4  ,:y did y wi%
 ^! sc5es photograph$ out "h8 he ask$4  
,because ,i want$ to see my libr>y 9    
pictures4  ,7 y wat*+ ! tak+ ( ! sc5es8 
,yes6  ,w y describe j :at happ5$8      
,phelps flu%$4 ,he 0 irritat$ & 9 no    
mood to humor u any m ?an necess>y4 ,a  
man ( p]haps =ty1 ) ! portly flabb9ess  
:i* (t5 accompanies success 9 ! f9ancial
 m>kets1 he 0 accu/om$ to obta9+ r ?an  
yield+ ob$i5ce4 ,a ba*elor1 he _h built 
?is h\se z a %[ place m]ely1 accord+ to 
! gossip among newspap] m51 seldom liv+ 
9 x4  ,hav5't ab\t a doz5 p describ$ x =
 y already8 he ask$1 di/9ctly petulant4 
,k5n$y smil$4 ,did y notice any?+       
p>ticul>ly out ( ! way1 any?+ :i* might 
be a clue to ! mann] 9 :i* ,miss ,lam>  

met h] dea?8  ,phelps's attitude became 
frankly malici\s4 ,if ,i _h1 or if any (
 u _h1 we w\ldn't h f\nd x necess>y to  
s5d = ,pr(4 ,craig ,k5n$y1 or--turn+ to 
me--! repres5tative ( ! ,new ,york ,/>4 
,k5n$y1 undi/urb$1 walk$ to ! side (    
,mackay4 ,i'll leave ,mr4 ,phelps & 8   
h\se 9 y\r c>e1 he rem>k$1 9 a l[ voice4
  ,mackay gr9n$4 ,i saw t ! di/rict     
attorney _h little love = ! own] ( ?is  
p>ticul> e/ate 9 ,t>ryt[n4  ,k5n$y l$ ! 
way into ! liv+ room4 ,imm$iately !     
v>i\s p he _h que/ion$ clu/]$ up ) v>y+ 
degrees ( anxiety4 ,_h ! my/]y be5      
solv$8  ,he gave !m no satisfaction1 b  
s+l$ out ,manton1 :o seem$ eag] to get  
away4  ,:]e is ,mill>d8 ,i w\ld l to    
talk to him4  ,i'll try to get him = y4 
,suppose-- ,manton look$ at 8 wat*4 ,i  
%\ld be 9 at ! /udio1 he expla9$4       
,ev]y?+ is at a /&/ill1 probably1 &--&  
s1 suppose y & ,mr4 ,jameson ride 9 ) me
 9 my c>4 ,mill>d might be !re4  ,k5n$y 
bright5$4 ,good6 ,!n he look$ back to   
cat* ! eye ( ,mackay4 ,let ev]yone g n[1

 he direct$4 ,don't =get to s5d me !    
samples ( ! body fluids &--z an         
aft]?\ght--y'd bett] keep a wat* on !   
h\se4     ,,vi  ,,! ,,fir/ ,,clue       
,manton's c> 0 a high-p[]$1 exp5sive    
lim\s9e1 fitt$ inside ) e luxury ( :i* !
 m9d ( ev5 a prima donna c\ld conceive1 
pa9t$ a vivid yell[ t mu/ h made x an   
object ( att5tion ev5 on its famili>    
r\tes4 ,x 0 q *>act]i/ic ( its own]1 =  
,manton1 z we le>n$1 miss$ no *ance to  
adv]tise himself4  ,9 ! back ) u 0      
,w]n]1 :ile ! re/ ( ! company 7 left to 
return to ! city 9 ! two /udio c>s :i*  
_h br\ght !m out 9 ! morn+4 ,! director1
 h[ev]1 seem$ buri$ ) 8 reflections4 ,he
 took no "p 9 ! conv]sation2 paid no    
att5tion to u ^u ! entire trip4         
,manton's m9d seem$ to dwell r ^u !     
problems br\ght up by ! dea? ( ,/ella   
?an ^u ! trag$y itself4 ,! ,/>'s        
photoplay editor once _h rem>k$ to me t 
! promot] 0 #ij p] c5t bull1 & #aj p]   
c5t effici5cy4 ,i f\nd t x 0 an unfair  
e/imation4 ,) all 8 self-adv]tisem5t &  

almo/ obnoxi\s p]sonality1 ,manton 0 a m
 ?an capable executive 9 a bus9ess :]e  
effici5cy & me?od are r>e4  ,?is has be5
 a hoodoo picture f ! />t1 he exclaim$1 
sudd5ly4 ,we h be5 j9x$ ) a v5geance4   
,"s "o has held ! ,indian sign on u =   
sure4  ,k5n$y1 ,i notic$1 li/5$1 /udy+ !
 man cauti\sly f ! corn]s ( 8 eyes1 b   
mak+ no ef=t to draw him out4  ,fir/ !re
 7 *anges to be made 9 ! script1 & = ^? 
,mill>d took 8 own sweet "t4 ,!n we 7   
h&$ a lot ( negative :i* _h be5 fogg$ 9 
! p]=ator1 a ?+ t doesn't happ5 once 9 a
 ?\s& ye>s4 ,b x caught u j z we s5t !  
company d[n to ,delaw>e ,wat] ,gap4 ,a  
:ole t5 days' "w w5t into ! develop] at 
once4 ,nei!r ( ! cam]a m5 caught ! fog 9
 _! te/s because x came 9 ! middle ( !  
rolls4 ,ev]y?+ _h to be done ov] aga94  
,& accid5ts6 ,we c>efully regi/]$ !     
pr9cipal accomplice ( ! ',black ,t]ror1'
 a little hun*back ) a face to s5d *ills
 d[n y\r back4 ,aft] we _h him 9 ab\t   
half ! sc5es ( a sequ5ce ( action he 0  
tak5 sick & di$ ( influ5za4 ,fir/ we    

wait$ a few days2 !n we _h to take all t
 /uff ov] aga94  ,our payroll on ?is    
picture is /agg]+4 ,/ella's ?ree ?\s& a 
week is *eap = h]1 ! old contract1 b x's
 a lot ( money to ?r[ away4 ,two weeks  
:5 %e 0 "u ! wea!r co/ u six ?\s& doll>s
 sal>y & !re 0 half a week we c\ldn't d 
any "w )\t h]4 ,gordon & ,%irley &      
,m>ilyn ,lor+ draw d[n sev5te5 hundr$ a 
week betwe5 !m4 ,! director's sal>y is  
only two hundr$ %ort ( t4 ,all told ',! 
,black ,t]ror' is co/+ u a hundr$ ?\s&  
doll>s ov] our orig9al e/imate4  ,&     
n[--x seem$ to me t ,manton lit]ally    
groan$--) ,/ella ,lam> dead--excuse me  
look+ at x ?is way1 b1 aft] all1 x is   
bus9ess & ,i'm ! executive at ! head ( !
 company--n[ we mu/ f9d a new />1 ,"l   
kn[s :]e1 & we mu/ retake e sc5e 9 :i*  
,/ella appe>$4 ,x--x's en\gh to bankrupt
 ,manton ,pictures = once & all4  ,c't y
 *ange ! /ory ab\t "s way1 s y won't    
lose ! value ( h] "w8 ask$ ,k5n$y4      
,impossible6 ,we've ann\nc$ ! release & 
we've got to g ahead4 ,=tunately1 "s ( !

 bigge/ sets are n tak5 yet4  ,! c>     
pull$ up ) a fl\ri% be=e ! ,manton      
/udio1 :i* 0 an imm5se affair ( re9=c$  
concrete 9 ! upp] ,bronx4 ,!n1 9        
response to our horn1 a great wide d\ble
 door swung op5 admitt+ u ?r\gh ! build+
 to a l>ge c\rty>d ar\nd :i* ! v>i\s    
dep>tm5ts 7 built4  ,"h1 !re 0 little   
indication t ! pr9cipal /> ( ! company  
_h j met h] dea? "u my/]i\s & suspici\s 
circum/ances4 ,p]haps1 _h ,i be5 famili>
 ) ! ord9>y bu/le ( ! e/abli%m5t1 ,i    
might h detect$ a diff]5ce4 ,inde$1 x   
did /rike me t !re 7 little knots ( p "h
 & !re discuss+ ! trag$y1 b ev]y?+ 0    
ov]%ad[$ by ! aquatic sc5e be+ film$ 9 !
 c\rty>d = "s o!r ,manton picture4 ,!   
cramp$ space ab\t ! concrete tank 0     
alive ) p1 a mob ( extras & /age h&s &  
v>i\s employees1 a sight :i* held ,k5n$y
 & me = "s little "t4 ,i 0 glad :5      
,manton l$ ! way ?r\gh a long hall to ! 
comp>ative quiet ( ! (fice build+4 ,9 ! 
reception room !re 0 a decid$ hu%4  ,is 
,mill>d "h8 he ask$ ( ! boy seat$ at !  

in=mation desk4  ,no1 sir1 0 !          
respectful reply4 ,he 0 "h ?is morn+ & =
 a :ile ye/]day4  ,y see6 ,manton       
confront$ ,k5n$y grimly4 ,?is is only "o
 ( ! ?+s ) :i* we h to cont5d 9 ?is     
bus9ess4 ,i give ,mill>d an (fice b he's
 a law unto himself4 ,x's ! arti/ic     
temp]am5t4 ,if ,i int]f]e1 !n he says he
 _c write & he doesn't produce any      
manuscript4 ,ord9>ily he _c be bo!r$ to 
"w at ! /udio4 ,b--philosophically--,i  
"k :]e to get him z a g5]al ?+4 ,he does
 mo/ ( 8 writ+ 9 8 rooms d[nt[n2 says   
!re's m inspiration 9 ! confusion (     
,broadway ?an 9 ! wilds ( ! ,bronx4     
,i'll phone him4  ,we foll[$ ! promot]  
up ! /airs to ! second & top floor4 ,"h 
a corridor gave access to ! v>i\s       
executive (fices4 ,its w9d[s at frequ5t 
int]vals look$ d[n ^u ! c\rty>d & !     
pres5t confusion4  ,w]n]1 :o _h prec$$ u
 into ! build+1 n[ came up4 ,z ,manton  
bu/l$ into 8 own (fice to use !         
telephone ! director turn$ to ,k5n$y1   
indicat+ ! next doorway4  ,?is is my    

place1 he expla9$4 ,x connects )        
,manton1 on "o side1 ?r\gh 8 reception  
room4 ,y see1 9 addition to direct+     
,/ella ,lam> ,i h be5 9 g5]al *>ge (    
production & mo/ ( ! ca/+ is up to me4  
,k5n$y ent]$ aft] ,w]n]1 int]e/$1 & ,i  
foll[$4 ,! door ?r\gh to ! reception    
room /ood op5 & beyond 0 ! "o to        
,manton's qu>t]s4 ,i c\ld see ! promot] 
at 8 desk1 receiv] at 8 e>1 an impati5t 
expression ^u 8 face4 ,9 ! reception    
room a r pretty girl1 "y & ( a          
%all[-pat$ type ,i ?\ght1 0 busy at a   
clatt]+ typewrit]4 ,%e rose & clos$ !   
door ^u ,manton1 s z n to di/urb him4   
,! next (fice on ?is side is ,mill>d's1 
volunte]$ ,w]n]4 ,he's ! only sc5>io    
writ] dignifi$ ) qu>t]s 9 ?is build+4   
,manton has o!r writ]s1 hasn't he8      
,k5n$y ask$4  ,yes1 ! sc5>io dep>tm5t is
 on ! ?ird floor across ! c\rt1 above ! 
laboratory & cutt+ rooms4  ,:o else is 9
 ! build+ "h8  ,!re are six rooms on ?is
 floor1 ,w]n] repli$4 ,manton1 ! wait+  
room1 myself1 ,mill>d1 & ! two o!r      

directors4 ,bel[ is ! g5]al reception   
room1 ! ca%i]1 ! bookkeep]s &           
/5ograph]s4  ,z ,manton probably 0 hav+ 
tr\ble obta9+ 8 connection1 & z ,k5n$y  
cont9u$ to "q ,w]n] conc]n+ ! g5]al     
arrangem5t ( ! diff]5t floors 9 !       
diff]5t build+s ab\t ! quadrangle1 all  
un9t]e/+ to me1 ,i det]m9$ to look ab\t 
a bit on my own hook4 ,i 0 /ill anxi\s  
to be ( g5u9e assi/ance to ,k5n$y1 =    
once1 ?r\gh my great] k ( ! film _w4    
,/roll+ out into ! corridor1 ,i w5t to !
 door ( ,mill>d's room4 ,to my          
disappo9tm5t1 x 0 lock$4 ,cont9u+ d[n ! 
hall1 ,i /ole a glance into ea* ( ! two 
directors' qu>t]s b saw no?+ to awak5 my
 suspicion or ju/ify my intrusion4      
,beyond1 ,i discov]$ a wa%room1 &1 aw>e 
sudd5ly ( ! imm5se am\nt ( du/ ,i _h    
acquir$ 9 ! ride 9 f ,t>ryt[n1 ,i ent]$ 
to fre%5 my h&s & face at ! lea/4 ,x 0 a
 /roke ( luck1 a =tunate impulse4  ,!   
am\nt ( money to be made 9 ! movies _h  
result$1 9 ! case ( ,manton1 9 luxuri\s 
equipm5t = all ! v>i\s dep>tm5ts ( 8    

e/abli%m5t4 ,i _h notic$ ! (fices1      
furni%$ ) a ri*ness wor?y ( a bank or "s
 great d[nt[n in/itution4 ,n[1 9 !      
lavatory1 immaculate ) its :ite tile &  
mod]n appo9tm5ts1 ,i saw a %elf lit]ally
 /ack$1 9 ?is day ( pap]1 ) l95 t[els ( 
! f9e/ quality4  ,z ,i drew ! wat]1 hot 
in/antly1 my eye caught1 half 9 & half  
out ( ! wire basket b5ea? ! /&1 "o ( !  
t[els cov]$ ) peculi> yell[ spots4      
,imm$iately my suspicions 7 awak5$4 ,i  
pick$ x up g+]ly4 ,at close range ,i saw
 t ! spots 7 only *rome yell[ make-up1 b
 !re 7 also spots ( a diff]5t nature4 ,i
 did n /op to ?9k ( ! unlikel9ess ( !   
discov]y ( a real clue "u ^!            
circum/ances1 analyz$ aft]w>d by ,k5n$y4
 ,i fold$ ! t[el ha/ily & hurri$ to     
rejo9 him1 to %[ x to him4  ,i f\nd him 
) ,w]n]1 wait+ = ! results ( ,manton's  
ef=ts to locate ,mill>d4 ,almo/ at !    
mom5t ,i rejo9$ ! two a boy came to     
summon ,w]n] to "o ( ! sets out on !    
/age itself4 ,k5n$y & ,i 7 alone4 ,i %[$
 him ! t[el4  ,at fir/ he laugh$1 ,y'll 

nev] make a detective1 ,walt]1 he       
rem>k$4 ,?is is only simple color+      
matt]-,*9ese yell[1 to be exact4 ,& w y 
tell me1 too--he became ironical--h[ d y
 expect to f9d clues ( ?is sort "h = a  
murd] committ$ 9 ,t>ryt[n :5 all ! p    
pres5t 7 held out !re & exam9$1 :5 we   
are ! fir/ to arrive back "h8  ,yell[1 y
 "k1 photographs :ite4 ,*9ese yell[ is  
us$ l>gely 9 /udios 9 place ( :ite 9    
make-up because x does n cause halation1
 :i*1 to ! picture p1 is ! bane ( _!    
exi/5ce4 ,:ite is too gl>+1 reflects    
rays t blur ! photography sometimes4    
,if y w notice1 ! next "t y see !m %oot+
 a sc5e1 y w f9d ! actors' faces t+$ )  
yell[4 ,ev5 tableclo?s & napk9s & ':ite'
 dresses are frequ5tly color$ a pale    
yell[1 al?\gh pale blue has ! act9ic    
qualities ( :ite = ?is purpose1 & is n[ 
p]haps m frequ5tly us$ ?an yell[4  ,i 0 
prop]ly *a/5$4 ,9 fact1 ?\gh ,i did n   
say mu*1 ,i almo/ det]m9$ to let him    
conduct 8 case himself4  ,k5n$y saw my  
cre/fall5 expression & und]/ood4 ,he 0  

ab\t to say some?+ enc\rag+1 z he h&$   
back ! t[el1 :5 8 eye fell on ! o!r end 
( x1 :i*1 inde$1 ,i myself _h notic$4   
,he sob]$ in/antly & /udi$ ! o!r spots4 
,inde$1 ,i _h n exam9$ !m closely       
myself4 ,!y 7 ! v fa9t /a9s ( "s o!r    
yell[ sub/ance1 a liquid :i* _h dri$ &  
did n rub (f z ! make-up1 & !re 7 also  
"s small r\nd drops ( d>k r$1 almo/     
hidd5 9 ! fancy r$ scrollwork ( ! lett]+
 on ! t[el1 ,manton ,pictures1 ,inc4 ,! 
latt] _h escap$ me altoge!r4  ,blood6   
,k5n$y exclaim$4 ,!n1 ,look "h6 ,! m>ks 
( ! pale yell[ liquid trail$ into a     
sl5d] trace ( blood4 ,x looks z if "s "o
 _h clean$ a ne$le on x1 he mutt]$1 & 9 
a hurry4  ,i rememb]$ 8 previ\s rem>k4  
,! murd] _h be5 9 ,t>ryt[n4 ,we _h j    
arriv$ "h4  ,w\ld anyone h "t to d x8 ,i
 ask$4  ,:oev] us$ ! t[el did s 9 a     
hurry1 he reit]at$1 s]i\sly4 ,x may h   
be5 "s "o afraid to leave any sort (    
clue out !re at ,phelps's h\se4 ,!re 7  
too _m wat*]s ab\t4 ,x might h seem$    
bett] to h run ! risk ( a se>*4 ,) no   

sign ( a w\nd on ,miss ,lam>'s p]son1 x 
0 pretty c]ta9 t nei!r ,mackay nor ,i   
w\ld attempt to frisk ev]yone4 ,x 0 n z 
?\gh we 7 look+ = a revolv]1 if %e 7    
%ot1 or a knife1 if %e _h be5 /abb$4    
,&--he c\ld n resi/ ano!r dig at me--& t
 we %\ld look 9 a wa%room "h = a t[el 01
 well1 an idea t w\ldn't occur to anyone
 b ! mo/ amateur & blund]+ sort ( sleu?4
 ,x's beg9n]'s luck1 ,walt]1 beg9n]'s   
luck4  ,i ignor$ ! uncomplim5t>y "p ( 8 
rem>ks4 ,:o c\ld h be5 9 ! wa%room j    
be=e me8 ,i ask$4  ,sudd5ly he hurri$   
?r\gh ! wait+ room to ! door to         
,manton's (fice1 op5+ x )\t c]emony4    
,manton 0 gone4 ,we ex*ang$ glances4 ,i 
rememb]$ t ,w]n] _h prec$$ u up/airs4 ,x
 means ,w]n] or ,manton himself1 ,i     
:isp]$1 s ! girl j beh9d u w\ld n he>4  
,k5n$y /rode out to ! hall1 & to a w9d[ 
ov]look+ ! c\rt4 ,aft] a mom5t he po9t$4
 ,i recogniz$ bo? ! c>s us$ to transport
 ! company to ! home ( ,em]y ,phelps4   
,!re 0 no sign t ei!r _h j arriv$1 = ev5
 ! *auffeurs 7 out ( sight1 p]haps melt$

 into ! cr[d ab\t ! tank 9 ! corn]4  ,!y
 mu/ h arriv$ imm$iately beh9d u1 ,k5n$y
 rem>k$4 ,we wa/$ sev]al valuable m9utes
 look+ at t wat] /uff ourselves4  ,at t 
mom5t ,w]n]'s voice rose f ! reception  
room bel[4 ,x 0 probable t he w\ld be up
 to rejo9 u aga94 ,i rememb]$ t he _h n 
be5 at all at ease :ile ,k5n$y que/ion$ 
him 9 ,t>ryt[n2 t "h at ! /udio he _h   
be5 palpably anxi\s to rema9 close at   
our heels4 ,i felt a surge ( suspicion  
)9 me4  ,li/51 ,craig1 ,i mutt]$1 9 l[  
tones4 ,manton _h no opportunity to /eal
 d[n ! hall aft] ! girl clos$ ! door1   
&--  ,:y n6 he int]rupt$1 contradict+   
me4 ,we _h our backs to ! door :ile we 7
 talk+ ) ,w]n]4  ,well1 anyh[1 x n>r[s  
d[n to ,manton & ,w]n] because t is !   
wa%room = ^! (fices--  ',%6 ,k5n$y /opp$
 me z ,w]n] m\nt$ ! /airs4 ,he turn$ to 
! director ) assum$ non*alance4 ,h[ long
 h ! o!r c>s be5 "h8 he ask$4 ,i ?\ght  
we came pretty fa/4  ,w]n] smil$4 ,i    
guess ^? boys _h en\gh ( ,t>ryt[n4 ,!y  
roll$ into ! y>d1 bo? ( !m1 :ile y &    

,mr4 ,jameson & ,manton 7 /opp+ to wat* 
! p 9 ! wat]4  ,i see6 ,k5n$y gave me a 
side glance4 ,:]e are ! dress+ rooms8 he
 inquir$4 ,x 0 a r&om %ot4  ,w]n] po9t$ 
to ! end ( ! hall1 t[>d ! wa%room4 ,9 ! 
next build+1 on ?is floor--t is1 !      
pr9cipals'4 ,x's a rott5 arrangem5t1 he 
add$4 ,!y come ?r\gh sometimes & use our
 lavatory1 because x's a little m fancy 
& because x saves a trip d[n a flight ( 
/airs4 ,believe me1 x gets old ,manton  
on 8 e>4     ,,vii  ,,enid ,,faye       
,beh9d ,w]n] 0 ! assi/ant director1 to  
:om ,i _h giv5 little att5tion at ! "t (
 ! exam9ation ( ! v>i\s p 9 ! ,phelps   
libr>y4 ,ev5 n[ he impress$ me z "o ( ^?
 r>e1 unobtrusive types ( individuals :o
 seem1 9 spite ( ! possession ( g5u9e   
ability & (t5 a great deal ( effici5cy1 
to lack1 nev]!less1 any out/&+ p]sonal  
*>act]i/ics4 ,z a class !y are human    
ma*9es1 to be nei!r lik$ nor dislik$1   
nev] intrud+ & yet always on h& :5 ne$$4
  ,?is is ,c>ey ,drexel1 my assi/ant1   
,w]n] /at$1 =gett+ t ,k5n$y _h que/ion$ 

him at ,t>ryt[n1 & s knew him4 ,!re are 
a few p ,i simply mu/ see & ,i'm ti$ up1
 !re=e1 = p]haps half an h\r2 &         
,manton's d[n/airs /ill try+ to locate  
,mill>d = y4 ,b ,c>ey's at y\r disposal1
 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 to %[ y ! arrangem5t ( !  
/udio & to coop]ate ) y 9 any way if y  
?9k !re's any possible *ance ( f9d+     
any?+ to be> ^u ,/ella's dea? "h4  ,if  
,w]n] 0 ! man :o _h us$ ! t[el1 ,i c\ld 
see t he 0 an actor & a cool villa94 ,( 
c\rse no "o c\ld "k1 yet1 t we _h       
discov]$ x1 b ! v non*alance ) :i* x _h 
be5 ?r[n into ! basket 0 a m>k ( ! n]ve 
( ! guilty man4 ,x 0 m ?an c>elessness4 
,no?+ ab\t ! crime _h be5 haphaz>d4     
,k5n$y ?ank$ ,w]n] & ask$ to be %[n !   
/udio floor us$ 9 ! mak+ ( ,! ,black    
,t]ror4 ,c>ey l$ ! way1 expla9+ t !re 7 
actually two /udios1 "o at ea* end ( !  
quadrangle1 connect$ on bo? sides by !  
o!r build+s2 (fices & dress+ rooms & !  
co/ume & prop]ty dep>tm5ts at ! side    
fac+ ! /reet2 te*nical laboratories &   
all ! detail ( film manufacture 9 a     

f\r-/ory /ructure to ! re>4 ,mo/ (      
,w]n]'s own picture 0 be+ made 9 !      
s-call$ big /udio1 rea*$ ?r\gh ! dress+ 
rooms f ! end ( ! corridor :]e we /ood4 
,i _h be5 9 film plants be=e1 b :5 we   
ent]$ ! huge glass-ro($ inclosure beyond
 ! long hallway ( dress+ rooms ,i 0     
impress$ by ! fact t "h 0 a place (     
g5u9e magnitude1 ) m life & bu/le ?an   
any?+ ,i _h ev] imag9$4 ,! glass _h1    
h[ev]1 be5 pa9t$ ov]1 because ( late    
ye>s d>k /ages1 ) ! ev5 quality (       
artificial light1 _h come into vogue 9 !
 ,manton /udios 9 place ( /ages light$  
by ! unev5 & undep5dable sunlight4  ,!  
two big sets m5tion$ by ,manton1 a      
banquet hall & a ballroom1 7 be+ erect$ 
simultane\sly4 ,c>p5t]s 7 at "w saw+ &  
hamm]+4 ,w]n]'s te*nical director 0 %\t+
 at a gr\p ( /age h&s putt+ a massive   
mirror 9 position at ! end ( ! banquet  
hall1 a clev] device to give ! room !   
appe>ance ( at lea/ d\ble its actual    
l5g?4 ,9 "o corn] sev]al electricians & 
a cam]a man 7 exp]im5t+ ) a /range-look+

 bank ( lights4 ,9 ! ballroom set1 :]e !
 flats or walls 7 all 9 place1 an       
unexcit$ pap]hang] 0 busy ) !           
p>aph]nalia ( 8 craft1 someh[ look+ out 
( 8 elem5t 9 ?is reign ( p&emonium4  ,x 
seem$ h>d inde$ to believe t any sort ( 
ord] or sy/em lay beh9d ?is het]og5e\s  
activity1 & ! incid5t :i* took ,c>ey    
,drexel away f u only add$ to ! wond] 9 
my m9d1 a wond] t any?+ tangible &      
def9ite c\ld be accompli%$4  ,oh1 ,c>ey6
 ,ano!r assi/ant director1 or p]haps he 
0 only a prop]ty boy1 ru%$ up           
frantically ! mom5t he saw ,drexel4     
,miss ,mill]'s on a rampage because !   
gr& piano y promis$ to get = h] isn't at
 h] ap>tm5t yet1 & ,bessie ,t]ry's 9    
te>s because %e left h] p>rot "h        
ov]night1 z y sugge/$1 & "s "o taught ! 
bird to swe>4 ,! intrud]1 a y\? ( p]haps
 eighte51 0 9 deadly e>ne/4 ,= ! love ( 
,mike1 ,c>ey1 he w5t on1 tell me h[ to  
untea* t scree*+ ?+ ( ,bessie's1 or we  
won't get a sc5e today4  ,c>ey ,drexel  
look$ at ,k5n$y helplessly4  ,) all ^!  

tr\bles1 h[ c\ld he pilot u ab\t8 ,lat] 
we le>n$ t ?is 0 no?+ new1 once "o gets 
on ! inside ( picture mak+4 ,props41 or 
prop]ties1 p>ticul>ly ! liv+ ones1 cause
 almo/ z mu* di/urbance z ! temp]am5tal 
notions ( ! actors & actresses4         
,sometimes x is a "q :i* may become !   
mo/ ridicul\s4  ,k5n$y seem$ to be      
satisfi$ ) 8 prelim9>y visit to ?is     
/udio floor4  ,we c get back to         
,manton's (fice alone1 he told ,drexel4 
,we w j keep on circl+ ! quadrangle4    
,reliev$1 ! assi/ant director po9t$ to !
 door ( ! manufactur+ build+1 z !       
f\r-/ory /ructure 9 ! re> 0 call$4 ,!n  
he bu/l$ (f ) ! o!r y\?1 q unruffl$     
himself4  ,:5 we pass$ ?r\gh ! heavy    
/eel fire door we f\nd ourselves 9 ano!r
 long hallway ( fire-brick &            
re9=c$-concrete con/ruction4            
,unque/ionably !re 0 no dang] ( a s]i\s 
conflagration 9 any "p ( ,manton's      
plant1 despite ! high inflammability ( !
 film itself1 ( ! flimsy /age sets1 (   
practically ev]y?+ us$ 9 picture        

manufacture4  ,imm$iately we ent]$ ?is  
build+ ,i detect$ a peculi> odor1 at :i*
 ,i sniff$ eag]ly4 ,i 0 rem9d$ ( !      
burnt-almond odor ( ! cyanides4 ,0 ?is  
ano!r clue8  ,i turn$ to ,k5n$y b he    
smil$1 anticipat+ me4  ,banana oil1     
,walt]1 he expla9$1 ) r a sup]ior mann]4
 ,i imag9e x's us$ a great deal 9 ?is   
indu/ry4 ,anyway--a *uckle--don't expect
 *ance to deliv] clues to y 9 :olesale  
quantities4 ,y h done v well = today4   
,a sudd5 :irr+ noise1 f an op5 door d[n 
! hall1 attract$ u1 & we paus$4 ,?is1 ,i
 guess$1 0 a cutt+ room4 ,!re 7 a numb] 
( /eel tables1 ) high /eel *airs4 ,at ! 
walls 7 cab9ets ( ! same mat]ial4 ,ea*  
table _h two w9d+ arrangem5ts1 a h&le at
 ! op]ator's "r h& & "o at 8 left1 s t  
he c\ld w9d or unw9d film f "o reel to  
ano!r1 pass+ x =w>d or backw>d 9 front (
 8 eyes4  ,!re 7 girls at ! tables      
except ne>e/ ! hall4 ,"h a man /opp$ n[ 
& !n to glance at ! ribbon ( film1 or to
 cut out a section1 dropp+ ! disc>d$    
piece into a firepro( c & splic+ ! two  

ends ( ! ma9 /rip toge!r aga9 ) liquid  
film cem5t f a small bottle4 ,he look$  
up z he s5s$ our pres5ce4  ,isn't x     
hell8 he rem>k$1 9 fri5dly fa%ion4 ,i've
 got to cut all ( ,/ella ,lam> out ( ',!
 ,black ,t]ror1' s !y c duplicate h]    
sc5es ) ano!r />1 & mean:ile we _h half 
! negative mat*$ & m>k$ = colors &      
splic$ 9 rolls1 all ready = ! pr9t]4    
,)\t wait+ = an answ] f u1 or expect+   
"o1 he gave "o ( 8 reels a vici\s sp91  
produc+ ! :irr+ noise2 !n grasp+ bo?    
reels betwe5 8 f+]s & br++ !m to an     
abrupt /op1 s t ,i wond]$ he did n burn 
himself f ! friction1 he locat$ ! next  
piece to be elim9at$4  ,we foll[$ ! hall
 into ! small] /udio & !re f\nd a com$y 
company at "w4 ,)\t /opp+ to wat* !     
play]s1 gha/ly "u ! light f !           
,coop]-,hewitts & ,kliegel arcs1 we f\nd
 a prec>i\s way back ( ! set ar\nd & "u 
/age braces1 to ! cov]$ bridge lead+    
once m to ! corridor outside ,manton's  
(fice4  ,n[ ! girl 0 abs5t f h] place 9 
! little wait+ room4 ,manton's door /ood

 op54 ,)\t c]emony ,k5n$y l$ ! way 9 &  
dropp$ d[n at ! side ( ! promot]'s huge 
mahogany desk4  ,i'm tir$1 ,walt]1 he   
said4 ,fur!rmore1 ,i ?9k ?is picture _w 
( y\rs is a b$lam4 ,we face a h>d task4 
,h[ d y propose to g ab\t ?+s8 ,i ask$4 
,i'm afraid ?is is a case :i* w h to be 
approa*$ entirely ?r\gh psy*ological    
reactions4 ,y & ,i w h to become famili>
 ) ! /udio & home life ( all ! long li/ 
( possible suspects4 ,i %all analyze !  
body fluids ( ! deceas$ & le>n ! cause (
 dea?1 & ,i w f9d out :at x is on !     
t[el1 b--sigh+--!re are s _m diff]5t    
ramifications1 s _m--  ,sudd5ly 8 eye   
caught ! corn] ( a piece ( pap] slid "u 
! glass ( ,manton's desk4 ,he pull$ x   
out2 !n h&$ x to me4  ,,memor&um ,,=    
,,mr4 ,,manton  ,h le>n$ ,enid ,faye is 
out ( ,p5tangle & c be engag$ = ab\t    
twelve hundr$ if y act quickly4 ,:y n   
cancel ,lam> contract aft] ,black       
,t]ror1 if %e cont9ues up-/age8  ,,w]n]4
  ,i caught ! "n ,lam>1 ,k5n$y expla9$4 
,!n an expression ( gratification crept 

into 8 face4 ,miss ,lam> 0 'up-/age'8 he
 mus$4 ,t's a !atrical ^w = cuss$ness1  
isn't x8  ,i paid little att5tion4 ,! "n
 ( ,enid ,faye _h attract$ my own       
int]e/4 ,?is 0 ! little d>e-devil :o _h 
breez$ into ! ,pacific ,coa/ film colony
 & _h swept ev]y?+ be=e h]4 ,n only _h  
%e display$ amaz+ n]ve = h] sex & size1 
b %e _h be5 pretty & beautifully =m$1 _h
 be5 z mu* at home 9 a ballroom z 9 an  
,annette ,kell]mann ba?+ suit4 ,9 less  
?an six mon?s %e _h le>n$ to act & _h   
be5 br\ght to ! ,ea/]n /udios (         
,p5tangle4 ,n[ x 0 possible t %e w\ld be
 captur$ by ,manton1 w\ld be blazon$ all
 ov] ! c\ntry by t g5tleman1 w\ld become
 ano!r /> ( 8 mak+4  ,let's g1 ,walt]6  
,k5n$y1 impati5t1 rose4 ,i notic$ t he  
fold$ ! little note1 slipp+ x into 8    
pocket4  ,out 9 ! hall voices came to u 
f ,w]n]'s (fice4 ,aft] "s little        
hesitation ,k5n$y op5$ ! door           
unc]emoni\sly4 ,at ! table1 litt]$ )    
blue pr9ts & draw+s & color$ plates (   
fam\s home int]iors1 0 ! director4 ,)   

him 0 ,manton4 ,seat$ fac+ !m1 9 r>e    
good humor1 0 a fasc9at+ little lady4   
,! promot] rose4 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 ,i   
want y to meet ,miss ,enid ,faye1 "o (  
our real com]s4 ,& ,mr4 ,jameson1 ,enid1
 ( ! ,new ,york ,/>4  ,%e ackn[l$g$ !   
introduction to ,k5n$y gracefully4 ,!n  
%e turn$1 ris+1 & ru%$ to me mo/        
effusively1 lead+ me to a lea!r-cov]$   
c\* & pull+ me to a seat beside h]4     
,mr4 ,jameson1 %e purr$4 ,i j love      
newspap] m52 ,i ?9k !y're p]fectly      
wond]ful always4 ,tell me1 d y l little 
,enid8  ,i nodd$1 confus$ & unhappy1 & z
 r$ z a s*oolboy4  ,t's f9e1 %e w5t on1 
9 ! be/ modulat$ & mo/ wond]ful voice ,i
 ?\ght ,i _h ev] he>d4 ,i l y & ,i "k   
we're go+ to be ! be/ ( fri5ds4 ,tell   
me1 :at's y\r fir/ "n8  ,n[1 ,enid1     
reprov$ ,manton1 9 fa!rly tones1 y'll h 
pl5ty ( "t to vamp y\r publicity lat]4  
,= ! pres5t1 please li/5 to me4 ,we're  
talk+ bus9ess4  ,%oot e hair ( ?is old  
gray head6 %e direct$1 p]tly4  ,%e did n
 move away1 h[ev]1 ,i c\ld feel ! w>m? (

 h]1 c\ld cat* ! delicacy ( ! p]fume %e 
us$4 ,i not$ ! play ( h] sl5d] f+]s1 !  
trimness ( h] ankle1 ! piquancy ( a nose
 reveal$ to me 9 pr(ile--& no?+ else4   
,?is is y\r *ance1 ,enid1 ,manton       
cont9u$1 e>ne/ly & r eag]ly4 ,y "k !    
film w be ! mo/ talk$ ab\t "o ?is ye>4  
,we've got ! ,m]ritt pap]s l9$ up & t's 
! be/ adv]tis+ 9 ! _w4 ,ev]yone w "k y  
took ,/ella's place1 &--well1 y'll /ep  
"r 94  ,%e /udi$ ! tips ( h] boots1     
/ret*+ boyi% limbs /raight 9 front ( h]1
 !n smoo?+ ! s(t folds ( h] skirt4      
,talk money to me1 ,mr4 ,man6 %e        
exclaim$4 ,talk ! %ekels1 ! gold5       
%ekels4  ,we're broke1 he prote/$4 ,a   
?\s&--  ,%e %ook h] head4  ,w]n] broke  
91 sudd5ly anxi\s4 ,don't pass up !     
*ance1 ,enid1 he plead$4 ,:at c         
,p5tangle d = y8 ,& ,i've always want$  
to direct y aga9--  ,i'll make x twelve 
hundr$1 ,manton int]rupt$1 if y'll make 
! contract p]sonally ) me4 ,!n if       
,manton ,pictures--  ,all "r6 ,%e jump$ 
to h] feet1 ext5d+ a h& /raight =w>d to 

ea*1 ! "r to ,manton1 ! left to ,w]n]4  
,y're on6  ,i ?\ght t ,i 0 =gott54 ,a   
wave ( jeal\sy swept ov] me4 ,aft] all1 
%e simply want$ me to write h] up4 ,9 a 
daze ,i he>d ,manton4  ,y're a wise     
little girl1 ,enid1 he told h]4 ,play ! 
game "r ) me & y'll climb high4 ,! sky's
 ! limit1 n[4 ,i'll make y--make y big6 
,) a full1 w>m smile %e swung ar\nd to  
me & ,i knew ,i 0 n be+ slight$1 aft]   
all4  ,t's :at ,longfell[ said1 isn't x1
 ,mr4 ,jameson8  ,:at8 ,my he>t began to
 beat l a trip hamm]4  ,excelsior6      
,excelsior6 ,x packs !m 96  ,%e laugh$ s
 infecti\sly t we all jo9$ 94 ,!n       
,manton turn$ to ,k5n$y4  ,i've locat$  
,mill>d = y4 ,he's to meet u at my      
ap>tm5t at sev54 ,x's six-?irty n[4 ,&  
y1 ,enid--fac+ h]--if y'll come1 too1   
!re's ano!r man ,i want y to meet1 &    
,l>ry1 ( c\rse1 w be !re--  ,enid /udi$ 
,k5n$y4 ,he 0 hesitat+ z ?\gh n sure    
:e!r to accompany ,manton or n4 ,i nev] 
did le>n :at o!r c\rse ( action _h      
occurr$ to him4  ,b ,i did notice t !   

little />1 ) h] p]t1 upturn$ face1 seem$
 m anxi\s to h ,k5n$y g along ?an %e 0  
to meet ! my/]i\s individual m5tion$ )\t
 "n by ,manton4 ,= an in/ant %e 0 on !  
po9t ( address+ him1 flippantly1 no     
d\bt4 ,!n1 ,i ?9k %e 0 r aw$ at ,craig's
 reputation4  ,all at once %e %rugg$ h] 
%\ld]s & turn$ to me1 pluck+ my sleeve1 
h] expression bright5+ irresi/ibly4     
,y'll come1 too--dimpl+--,jamie6        
,,viii  ,,lawr5ce ,,mill>d   ,x /ruck me
 on ! trip to ,manton's ap>tm5t t ! film
 p 7 :olly unfeel+1 7 ev5 un9t]e/$ 9 !  
dea? ( ,/ella ,lam> except :]e x int]f]$
 ) _! bus9ess arrangem5ts4 ,w]n] excus$ 
himself & did n accompany u1 on ! score 
( ! complete realignm5t ( production    
necess>y to place ,enid 9 ,/ella's "p4  
,x seem$ to me t he felt a c]ta9 reli% 9
 ! problem1 t he 0 almo/ glad ( !       
circum/ances :i* br\ght ,enid to him4 ,8
 la/ words to ,manton 71 to be sure to h
 ,mill>d reca/ ! action ( ! sc5es :]ev] 
possible1 s z to give ,enid ! bett]     
*ance to display h] own p]sonality4  ,i 

m>vel$ z ,i realiz$ t ! rema9s ( ,/ella 
,lam> 7 sc>cely cold be=e ^! p 7 figur+ 
on ! /> to take h] place4  ,z ,manton   
talk$1 ! ?\ght cross$ my m9d t su* a man
 ne$$ no publicity manag]4 ,i dismiss$ !
 idea t he might be capable ev5 ( murd] 
= publicity4 ,b at lea/ x 0 an insight  
into "s me?ods ( ! game4  ,z our c>     
m\nt$ to ! ,conc\rse & turn$            
,manhattanw>d ,i 0 di/9ctly unhappy4    
,manton monopoliz$ ,enid completely1    
insi/+ ^u talk+ ov] ev]y?+ "u ! sun1 f !
 w>drobe %e w\ld ne$ 9 ,/ella's "p & !  
be/ sort ( p]sonal adv]tis+ campaign =  
h]1 to ! fir/ available ev5+ :5 %e c\ld 
g to d9n] ) him4  ,%e sat 9 ! re> seat1 
betwe5 ,k5n$y & ! promot]1 :i* did n add
 to my s5se ( com=t4 ,! only consol+    
feature f my viewpo9t 0 t ,i 0 admirably
 plac$ to /udy h]1 & t ,manton held h] s
 engross$ t ,i _h e opportunity to d s  
unnotic$4 ,because %e _h ov]:elm$ me s  
completely ,i did no?+ ( ! k9d4 ,i knew 
we 7 rid+ ) ! mo/ beautiful woman 9 ,new
 ,york1 b ,i did n "k ! color ( h] hair 

or eyes1 or ev5 ! sort ( hat or dress %e
 wore4 ,9 %ort ,i 0 movie-/ruck4  ,we   
/opp$ at la/ at a huge1 ornate ap>tm5t  
h\se on ,riv]side ,drive & ,manton l$ ! 
way ?r\gh ! wide ,r5aissance entrance & 
! luxuri\s m>ble hall to ! elevator4 ,8 
qu>t]s1 on ! top floor1 fac+ ! riv]1 7  
almo/ exotic 9 ! lavi%ness & b>b>ic     
spl5dor ( _! furni%+s4 ,my fir/         
impression z we ent]$ ! place 0 t       
,manton _h purposely plann$ ! dim lights
 ( ri* amb] & ! cl++ ,ori5tal fragrance 
hov]+ ab\t ev]y?+ s z to produce an     
allur+ & entic+ atmosph]e4 ,! *airs &   
wide uphol/]$ w9d[ seats1 ! s(t1 yield+ 
divans 9 at lea/ two corn]s1 ) _!       
m9iature m\nta9s ( t9y pill[s1 all 7    
com=table ) ! com=t "o associates )     
lotus eat+ & t homew>d j\rney soon to be
 =gott54 ,!re 0 ! smoke ( inc5se1       
unmi/akably4 ,on a taboret 7 cig>ettes &
 cig>s & ?r\gh heavy curta9s ,i caught a
 glimpse ( a sidebo>d & decant]s1 fill$ 
& set out v frankly4  ,a ,japanese      
butl]1 :om ,manton call$ ,huroki1 took  

our hats & retreat$ ) a c]ta9 emanat+   
effluvium ( subtlety su* z ,i _h kn[n   
only once be=e1 :5 ! ,ori5tal att5dant  
left me on ! occasion ( my only visit to
 an opium d5 9 ,*9at[n4  ,a mom5t lat]  
,mill>d1 :o _h be5 wait+1 rose to greet 
u4  ,i w\ld h guess$ him to be an au?or1
 ,i believe1 _h ,i met him at r&om      
any:]e 9 ! city4 ,he affect$ all !      
pr(essional m>ks & mann]isms1 & yet he  
did s gracefully4 ,i notic$1 9 ! little 
hall :]e ,huroki plac$ our headge>1 a   
s+le-jo9t$ ,malacca /ick1 a d>k-color$ &
 s(t-brimm$ felt hat1 & a batt]$        
brief-case4 ,t 0 ,mill>d1 unque/ionably4
 ,! man himself 0 tall & loose-limb$1   
heavy ) an appe>ance ( sl5d]ness4 ,8    
face 0 h&some1 r intellectual 9 spite ( 
r ?an because ( l>ge horn-rimm$ glasses4
 ,8 m\? & *9 %[$ /r5g? & det]m9ation1   
:i* 0 a surprise to me4 ,9 fact1 9 no   
way did he seem to reveal ! arti/4      
,lawr5ce ,mill>d 0 a comm]cial writ]1 a 
dream] nev]4  ,fir/ he greet$ ,enid1    
tak+ bo? ( h] h&s 9 84 ,9 ?is "o brief  

mom5t all my own little romance w5t     
glimm]+1 = ,i c\ld n bl9d myself to !   
s(t5+ ( 8 expression1 ! welcom+ light 9 
h]s1 ! long int]val 9 :i* _! f+]s rema9$
 int]lac$4  ,& !n ano!r ?\ght came to   
me1 ha/5$1 f$ & fatt5$ ^u my jeal\sy4 ,!
 seal$ te/imony 9 ! case ( ,mill>d vs4  
,mill>d6 ,c\ld ,enid1 by any *ance1 be  
conc]n$ 9 t8  ,! next mom5t ,i dismiss$ 
! ?\ght1 or at lea/ ,i ?\ght ,i did s4  
,i tri$ to picture ,enid's "w on !      
,coa/1 to rememb] ! %ort "t %e _h be5 9 
! ,ea/4 ,x 0 possible ,mill>d _h kn[n h]
 be=e %e w5t to ,los ,angeles1 b        
unlikely4  ,mill>d next turn$ to ,k5n$y4
  ,i j le>n$ ( ! trag$y a %ort :ile ago1
 ,pr(essor1 he exclaim$4 ,x is t]rible1 
& s amaz+ly sudd51 too6 ,x--x has upset 
me completely4 ,tell me1 h y f\nd any?+8
 ,h y discov]$ any possible clue8 ,is   
!re any?+ at all ,i c d to help8  ,i    
w\ld l to ask a few que/ions1 ,k5n$y    
expla9$4  ,by all means6  ,he ext5d$ a  
h& to me & ,i f\nd x damp & flabby1 z   
?\gh he 7 m conc]n$ ?an 8 mann] betray$4

 ,he fac$ ,k5n$y aga91 h[ev]1           
imm$iately4  ,/ella & ,i didn't make a g
 ( our m>ri$ life at all1 he w5t on1    
frankly en\gh4 ,i 0 v sorry1 too1       
because ,i 0 g5u9ely fond ( h]4  ,h[    
rec5tly h y se5 h]8  ,/ella8 ,n = ov] a 
mon?--p]haps long] ?an t4  ,manton took 
,enid by ! arm4 ,x 0 evid5tly h] fir/   
visit to ! ap>tm5t & he 0 anxi\s to %[  
h] 8 v>i\s treasures4  ,mill>d1 ,k5n$y1 
& ,i f\nd a corn] af=d+ a view out ov] !
 ,hudson4 ,aft] ,k5n$y _h describ$1     
briefly1 ! circum/ances ( ,/ella's dea?1
 at ,mill>d's insi/5ce1 he produc$ !    
note he _h f\nd 9 h] h&bag4 ,! au?or    
recogniz$ x at once1 )\t read+ x4  ,yes1
 ,i wrote t6 ,!n j a trace ( emotion    
crept into 8 voice4 ,i 0 too late1 he   
murmur$4  ,:at 0 x y want$ to say8      
,k5n$y inquir$4  ,mill>d's glance       
travel$ to ,manton & ,enid1 a tr\bl$    
some?+ 9 8 expression4 ,i c\ld see t !  
promot] 0 mak+ ! mo/ ( 8 tete-a-tete ) !
 girl1 b %e seem$ p]fectly at ease & q  
capable ( h&l+ ! man1 & ,i1 c]ta9ly1 0 m

 di/urb$ at ! int]e/ ( ,mill>d4  ,i     
?\ght !re 0 some?+ ab\t ! bus9ess ,i    
ought to tell ,/ella1 he answ]$1 f9ally4
 ,manton ,pictures is pretty %aky4  ,oh6
 ,!n ,manton wasn't talk+ = effect :5 he
 told ,miss ,faye t ! company 0 broke8  
,no1 inde$6 ,9 fact1 didn't ,enid make  
h] agreem5t ) ,manton p]sonally8 ,t's   
:at ,i advis$ h] to d4  ,k5n$y nodd$4 ,b
 is ,manton himself f9ancially s\nd8    
,mill>d laugh$4 ,lloyd ,manton always   
has a doz5 ?+s up 8 sleeve4 ,he may h a 
million or he may owe a million4 ,9 !   
au?or's voice 0 no respect = 8 employ]4 
,a t\* ( malice crept into 8 tone4      
,manton w make money = anyone :o c make 
money = him1 he add$1 t is1 provid$ he  
has to d x4  ,k5n$y & ,i ex*ang$        
glances4 ,?is 0 close to an ass]tion (  
d[nright di%one/y4 ,at t mom5t ,huroki  
/ole 9 on padd$ feet1 z noiseless z a   
wrai?4  ,yes1 ,huroki8 ,8 ma/] turn$1   
inquir+ly4  ,mr4 ,leigh1 0 ! butl]'s    
ann\ncem5t4  ,%[ him 91 said ,manton2 !n
 he hurri$ ov] to u4 ,c\rtl&t ,leigh1 ! 

bank]1 y "k4  ,i imag9e ,i %[$ my       
surprise1 = ,k5n$y smil$ z he caught my 
face4 ,leigh 0 a bigg] man ?an ,phelps1 
( ! highe/ /&+ 9 d[nt[n f9ancial        
circles4 ,if ,manton _h int]e/$ ,c\rtl&t
 ,leigh 9 mov+ pictures he 0 a wiz>d    
inde$4  ,x seem$ to me t ! bank] 0 h>dly
 9 ! ap>tm5t be=e he saw ,enid1 & f t   
mom5t ! girl engross$ him to ! exclusion
 ( ev]y?+ else4 ,= ,enid1 ,i w say t %e 
0 a wond]4 ,%e seem$ to grasp ! man's   
in/ant infatuation & imm$iately %e set  
ab\t to complete ! conque/1 all )\t     
p]mitt+ him s mu* z to t\* h]4  ,y'll   
excuse u8 rem>k$ ,manton1 easily1 z he  
drew ,phelps & ,enid away4  ,see6       
exclaim$ ,mill>d1 9 a l[ voice1 fr[n+ n[
 z he wat*$ ! girl4 ,manton's clev]6    
,i've nev] kn[n him unable to raise     
money1 & t's :y ,i want$ ,enid to h h]  
contract ) him p]sonally4 ,if ,manton   
,pictures bl[s up he'd put h] 9 "s o!r  
company4  ,he has m ?an "o8 ,?is seem$  
to puzzle ,k5n$y4  ,he's be5 int]e/$ 9  
any numb] on ! side1 ,mill>d expla9$4   

,n[ he's =m$ ano!r1 b x's a secret s f>4
 ,y've he>d ( ,=tune ,features1 p]haps8 
,k5n$y look$ at me1 b ,i %ook my head4  
,:at is ',=tune ,features'8 ,k5n$y ask$ 
! "q ( ,mill>d4  ,j ano!r company 9 :i* 
,manton has an int]e/1 he repli$1       
casually4 ,t 0 :y ,i said ,i advis$ t   
,enid make h] contract p]sonally )      
,manton4 ,if ,manton ,pictures goes up1 
!n he w h to sw+ h] into ,=tune         
,features--! o!r ,manton ent]prise1     
don't y see8 ,he paus$1 !n add$3 ,by !  
way1 don't say any?+ outside ab\t t4 ,x 
isn't g5]ally kn[n--& z soon z anyone   
does he> x1 ev]ybody 9 ! film game w he>
 x4 ,y don't "k h[ gossip travels 9 ?is 
bus9ess4  ,k5n$y ask$ a few p]sonal     
que/ions ab\t ,/ella1 b ,mill>d's answ]s
 indicat$ t he _h n contemplat$ or ev5  
hop$ = a reconciliation1 t 8 int]e/ 9 8 
=m] wife _h become ?or\ghly platonic4 ,j
 n[1 h[ev]1 he seem$ unable to keep     
,manton out ( 8 m9d4  ,oh1 ,manton's    
clev]6 he said1 confid5tially to ,k5n$y1
 z he wat*$ ! promot] deftly maneuv]+   

,leigh & ,enid into a position side by  
side4  ,& inde$1 z ,mill>d talk$1 ,i    
began to get "s inkl+ ( h[ really clev] 
0 ! game :i* ,manton play$4  ,:y1       
cont9u$ ,mill>d1 w>m+ up to 8 /ory--=1  
to him1 above all1 a good /ory 0 some?+ 
t _h to be told1 :atev] might result f  
x--,i h kn[n him to pay a visit "s      
aft]noon to ,wall ,/reet--g d[n !re to  
be>d ! old lions 9 _! d54 ,he always us$
 to %[ up ab\t ! clos+ "t ( ! m>ket4    
,i've kn[n him to get into ! (fice ( "s 
"o l ,leigh or ,phelps4 ,!n he'll beg9  
to talk ab\t 8 brilliant prospects 9 !  
company he happ5s to be promot+ at ! "t4
 ,if y li/5 to ,manton y're lo/4 ,i "k  
x--,i've li/5$1 he add$1 :imsically4    
,well1 he cont9u$1 ! bank] w beg9 to get
 re/less aft] a bit--n at ,manton1 b at 
n gett+ away4 ',my c> is outside1'      
,manton w say4 ',let me drive y upt[n4' 
,( c\rse1 !re's no?+ else = ! bank] to d
 b to accept1 & :5 he gets into         
,manton's c> he's glad he did4 ,i don't 
"k anyone :o picks out su* luxuri\s ?+s 

z he does4 ,:y1 t man c\ld walk "r out  
along ,automobile ,r[1 broke1 & "s "o   
w\ld ,,give him a c>4  ,h[ does he d x8 
,i put ! "q to him4  ,h[ does a fi%     
swim8 said ,mill>d1 smil+4 ,he's clev]1 
,i tell y4 ,once he has ! bank] 9 ! c>1 
p]haps !y /op = a few mom5ts at a club4 
,at any rate1 ,manton usually contrives 
x s t1 z !y approa* 8 ap>tm5t1 he has 8 
talk all work$ up to ! po9t :]e ! bank] 
is g5u9ely int]e/$4 ,y "k !re's almo/   
no?+ p w talk to y long] ab\t ?an mov+  
pictures4  ,well1 on "o pretext or      
ano!r1 ,manton usually p]suades ! bank] 
to /ep up "h = a mom5t4 ,poor simp6 ,x's
 all ov] ) him !n4 ,i'll nev] =get h[   
impress$ ,phelps 0 ) ?is place ! fir/   
"t4 ,!re1 n[1 wat* ?is fell[1 ,leigh4   
,he ?9ks ?is looks l a million doll>s4  
,we're all "h1 play+ ,manton's game4    
,we're 8 m5ag]ie--he's ,b>num4 ,i tell  
y1 ,leigh's lo/1 lo/6  ,i did n "k q :at
 to make ( ,mill>d's cynicism4 ,0 he    
try+ to be witty at ,manton's exp5se8 ,i
 notic$ t he did n smile himself4       

,al?\gh he 0 talk+ to u1 8 att5tion 0 n 
really on u4 ,he 0 /ill wat*+ ,enid4    
,!n1 along w\ld happ5 ,/ella1 z if by   
*ance4  ,mill>d paus$ bitt]ly1 z ?\gh he
 did n q reli% ! tell+ x1 b felt t      
,k5n$y w\ld pry x out ( him or "s "o    
else f9ally1 & he might z well h x ov] )
 frankly4  ,yes1 he said1 ?\ghtfully1 b 
x all wasn't really ,manton's fault1    
aft] all4 ,/ella lik$ ! ,bohemian sort (
 life too mu*--& ,manton does !         
,bohemian up "h wond]fully4 ,x 0 too mu*
 = ,/ella4 ,!n1 :5 ,phelps came along & 
0 rop$ 91 %e fell = him4 ,x 0 good-by1  
poor ,mill>d6 ,i wasn't rapid en\gh = t 
cr[d4  ,i almo/ began to sympa?ize )    
,mill>d 9 ! association into :i*1 = 8   
liv+'s sake1 8 art _h =c$ him4 ,i       
realiz$1 too1 t really ! bank]1 ! wise  
"o f ,wall ,/reet1 0 ! suck]4  ,inde$1 z
 ,mill>d told x1 ,i c\ld easily acc\nt =
 ! temptation ( ,/ella4 ,to a degree1 ,i
 suppose1 x 0 really h] fault1 = %e     
ought to h kn[n ! game1 %[n m s5se ?an  
to be tak5 9 by ! ?+4 ,i wond]$ at !    

cont9u$ relations ( ,mill>d ) ,manton1  
"u ! circum/ances4 ,h[ev]1 ,i reflect$1 
if ,/ella _h *os5 to play ! little fool1
 :y %\ld ,mill>d h all[$ t to ru9 8 own 
*ances8  ,:at int]e/$ me n[ 0 t ,mill>d 
did n seem to reli% ! att5tions :i* !   
bank] 0 pay+ to ,enid4 ,0 ,manton fram+ 
up ! same sort ( game aga9 on ,leigh8   
,h[ev]1 :5 ,enid %ot a quick glance at  
,mill>d 9 an aside ( ! conv]sation1     
accompani$ by a m]ry w9k1 ,i saw t      
,mill>d1 ?\gh /ill d\btful1 0 mu* m at  
ease4  ,evid5tly !re 0 a tacit und]/&+  
betwe5 ! two4  ,k5n$y glanc$ ov] at me4 
,bit by bit ! *eck]$ hi/ory ( ,/ella    
,lam>'s life 0 com+ to light4  ,i began 
to see m cle>ly4 ,des]t+ ,mill>d &      
fasc9at$ by ,manton & 8 game1 %e _h be5 
us$ to int]e/ ,phelps 9 ! company4 ,9   
turn %e _h be5 dazzl$ by ! glitt] ( !   
,phelps gold4 ,%e _h n prov$ loyal ev5  
to ! produc] & promot]4  ,p]haps1 ,i    
reflect$1 t 0 :y ,mill>d 0 s app>5tly   
complac5t4 ,"o c\ld n1 "u !             
circum/ances1 h expect$ him to display  

wild emotion4 ,8 attitude _h be5 t ( "o 
:o ?\ght1 ,%e almo/ broke me2 let h]    
break "s "o else4  ,t1 h[ev]1 0 n 8     
attitude t[>d ,enid n[4 ,inde$1 he seem$
 g5u9ely conc]n$ t %e %\ld n foll[ 9 !  
same /eps4  ,lat]1 ,i le>n$ t 0 n all ( 
! hi/ory ( ,/ella4 ,fifte5 hundr$ doll>s
 a week ( h] own money1 besides lavi%   
pres5ts1 _h be5 too mu* = h]4 ,ev5      
,phelps's money _h _h no ov]-burd5+     
attraction = h]4 ,! _w--at lea/ t "p ( x
 :i* sp5ds money on ,broadway1 _h be5   
op5 to h]4 ,jack ,d>+ _h *>m$ h] = a    
:ile--h5ce ! engagem5t4 ,( ,%irley1 ,i  
did n ev5 "k4 ,p]haps ! ma/]ful crime   
roles he play$ might h promis$ "s new   
?rill1 ) ! possibility t !y express$    
some?+ lat5t 9 8 life4 ,at any rate1 %e 
_h dilettant$ ab\t him1 to ! amazem5t & 
dismay ( ,m>ilyn4 ,t we knew4  ,! d9n]  
h\r 0 approa*+1 &1 9 spite ( ! urg5t    
invitation ( ,manton1 ,leigh 0 =c$ to   
excuse himself to keep a previ\s        
appo9tm5t4 ,i felt1 ?\gh1 t he w\ld h   
brok5 x if only ,enid _h add$ h] urg+4  

,b %e did n1 mu* to ! relief ( ,mill>d4 
,manton took x 9 good "p4 ,p]haps he 0  
wise en\gh to reflect t _m o!r aft]noons
 7 9 ! lap ( ! future4  ,:at is ,manton 
up to8 ,k5n$y spoke to ,mill>d4 ,is x (f
 ) ! old & on ) ! new8 ,is ,phelps to be
 ca/ aside l a squeez$-out lemon1 &     
,leigh tak5 on = a new citrus fruit8    
,mill>d smil$4 ,he said no?+1 b ! kn[+  
glance 0 confirmation en\gh t 9 8 op9ion
 ,k5n$y _h express$ ! /ate ( affairs    
correctly4  ,mill>d ha/5$ to ! side (   
,enid at once & we le>n$ !n t !y _h a   
!at] engagem5t toge!r & t ,mill>d _h !  
tickets 9 8 pocket4 ,once m ,i realiz$ x
 0 no new or rec5t acqua9tance%ip betwe5
 ^! two4 ,aga9 ,i wond]$ :at woman _h   
be5 nam$ 9 ,/ella ,lam>'s divorce suit1 
& aga9 dismiss$ ! ?\ght t x c\ld be     
,enid4  ,k5n$y took 8 hat & h&$ me m9e4 
,we mu/ eat1 ,walt]1 z well z ! re/ (   
!m1 he rem>k$1 :5 ,manton l$ ! way to ! 
door4  ,i 0 loa? to leave & ,i suppose  
,i %[$ x4 ,! tru? 0 t little ,enid ,faye
 _h captivat$ me4 ,x 0 h>d to te> myself

 away4  ,9 ! entrance ,i hesitat$1      
wond]+ :e!r ,i %\ld say good-by to h]4  
,%e seem$ engross$ ) ,mill>d4  ,a second
 "t %e took me clean (f my feet4 ,:ile  
,i /ood !re1 fooli%ly1 %e left ,mill>d &
 ru%$ up1 ext5d+ h] little h& & all[+ x 
to re/ = a mom5t clasp$ 9 m9e4  ,we     
didn't h a s+le opportunity to get      
acqua9t$1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 %e compla9$1   
real regret 9 ! s(t cad5ces ( h] voice4 
,won't y phone me sometime8 ,my "n's 9 !
 book1 or ,i'll be at ! /udio--  ,i 0   
tongue-ti$4 ,my glance1 %ift+ f h]s     
because ,i 0 sudd5ly afraid ( myself1   
enc\nt]$ ! gaze ( ,mill>d f beh9d4 ,n[  
,i detect$ ! unmi/akable fire ( jeal\sy 
9 ! eyes ( ! au?or4 ,i presume ,i 0 nev]
 built to be a heavy lov]4 ,up & d[n my 
sp9e w5t a %iv] ( fe>4 ,i dropp$ ,enid's
 h& & turn$ away abruptly4     ,,ix     
,,:ite-,,light ,,%ad[s   ,:at d y ?9k ( 
x8 ,i ask$ ,k5n$y1 :5 we 7 half ?r\gh   
our meal at a t9y re/aurant on upp]     
,broadway4  ,we're /ill fumbl+ 9 ! d>k1 
he repli$4  ,!re's ! t[el--  ,yes1 &    

almo/ any "o on ,mackay's li/ ( n9e     
suspects c\ld h plac$ x 9 t wa%room4    
,well-- ,i 0 det]m9$ to draw him out4   
,my own impressions1 ,i mu/ confess1 7  
glori\sly muddl$4 ,manton heads ! li/1  
,i sugge/$4 ,ev]yone says %e 0 mix$ up )
 him4  ,manton may h phil&]$ ) h]2      
und\bt$ly he takes a p]sonal int]e/ 9   
all 8 />s4 ,k5n$y1 ,i saw1 rememb]$ !   
promot]'s close att5tions to ,enid      
,faye4 ,nev]!less1 ,walt]1 he is fir/ & 
=emo/ & all ! "t ! man ( bus9ess4 ,8    
he>t is 9 8 doll>s & ,mill>d ev5 sugge/s
 t he is none too scrupul\s4  ,if he _h 
an affair ) ,/ella1 ,i rejo9$1 & %e     
became up-/age--! note y f\nd sugge/$   
tr\ble1 y "k--!n ,manton 9 a bur/ (     
passion--  ,no6 ,k5n$y /opp$ me4 ,don't 
=get t ?is 0 a cold-blood$1 calculat$   
crime4 ,i'm n elim9at+ ,manton yet1 b   
until we f9d "s tangible evid5ce (      
tr\ble betwe5 ,/ella & himself we c     
h>dly assume he w\ld kill ! girl :o's   
made him p]haps a million doll>s4 ,e    
motive 9 ,manton's case is a motive     

aga9/ ! crime4  ,t elim9ates ,phelps1   
!n1 too4 ,he ne>ly own$ ! company4      
,yes1 unless some?+ happ5$ to outweigh  
f9ancial consid]ations 9 8 m9d also4    
,b1 good heav5s6 ,k5n$y1 ,i prote/$4 ,if
 y g on t way y'll n elim9ate anyone4   
,i c't yet1 he expla9$1 pati5tly4 ,x's j
 z ,i said4 ,we're fi%+ 9 ! d>k1        
absolutely4 ,s f> we hav5't a s+le basic
 fact on :i* to build any /ructure (    
hypo!sis4 ,we mu/ g on fi%+4 ,i expect y
 to dig up all ! facts ab\t ^! p2 e odd 
bit ( gossip or rumor or any?+ else4    
,i'll br+ my sci5ce to play1 b !re's    
no?+ ,i c d except analyze ,/ella's     
/oma* cont5ts & ! spots on ! t[el2 t is1
 until we've got a mu* m tangible lead  
?an any :i* h develop$ s f>4  ,is !re   
any?+ ,i c d to-night8  ,yes6 ,he look$ 
at 8 wat*4 ,!re are two m5 :o 7 v close 
to ,miss ,lam>4 ,jack ,gordon 0 engag$  
to h]1 ,m]le ,%irley seem$ to h be5 mix$
 up ) h] s]i\sly4 ,all ! picture p h    
night haunts4 ,see :at y c f9d ab\t ^!  
two m54  ,b ,i don't "k :]e to f9d !m   

(fh&1 &--  ,bo? belong to ! ,goats      
,club1 probably4 ,try t z a />t4  ,i    
nodd$ & began to hurry my dess]t4 ,b ,i 
c\ld n resi/ que/ion+ him4  ,y ?9k !y   
are ! mo/ likely suspects8  ,no1 b !y 7 
intimately associat$ ) ,miss ,lam> 9 h] 
daily life & !y are ! two we h le>n$ !  
lea/ ab\t4  ,oh6 ,i 0 disappo9t$4 ,!n ,i
 ralli$ to ! attack = a f9al "t4 ,:o is 
! mo/ likely "o4 ,j satisfy my          
curiosity1 ,craig4  ,he took a fold$    
note f 8 pocket1 op5+ x4 ,x 0 ! memor&um
 f ,manton's desk :i* ,i _h m5tion$4 ,9 
a fla% ,i und]/ood4  ,w]n]6 ,i exclaim$4
 ,!y said he 0 mix$ up ) h]1 too4 ,he 0 
! fir/ back & out ( ! c> & he _h "t to  
clean a ne$le on ! t[el1 _h a bett]     
opportunity ?an anyone else4 ,m--,i     
began to get excit$--he 0 ly+ on ! floor
 close to h] 9 ! sc5e & c\ld h jabb$ h] 
) a ne$le v easily1 &--& he 0 extremely 
n]v\s :5 y que/ion$ him1 ! mo/ n]v\s (  
all1 &--&1 f9ally1 he _h a motive1 he   
want$ to get ,enid ,faye ) ,manton      
,pictures1 z ?is note %[s4  ,v good1    

,walt]4 ,k5n$y's eyes 7 danc+ 9         
amusem5t4 ,x is true t ,w]n] _h ! be/   
motive1 s f> z we "k n[1 b x's a        
fanta/ic "o4 ,m5 don't commit           
cold-blood$ murd] j to create a vacancy 
= a movie />4 ,if ,w]n] 0 go+ to kill   
,miss ,lam> he nev] w\ld h writt5 ?is   
note ab\t ,miss ,faye4  ,unless to div]t
 suspicion1 ,i sugge/$4  ,he %ook 8     
head4 ,! :ole ?+'s too biz>re4  ,w]n] 0 
close to h] 9 ! d>k4 ,all ! o!r ?+s po9t
 to him1 don't !y8  ,x's too bad ev]yone
 wasn't se>*$1 at t1 ,k5n$y admitt$4    
,nev]!less1 at ! "t ,i realiz$ t ,w]n]  
_h _h ! be/ opportunity = ! actual      
p]=mance ( ! crime & ,i wat*$ him v     
closely & made him g ?r\gh e movem5t j s
 ,i c\ld /udy him4 ,i believe he's      
innoc5t--at lea/ z f> z ,i've gone 9 !  
case4  ,i det]m9$ to /ick to my op9ion4 
,i believe x's ,w]n]1 ,i insi/$4  ,by ! 
"t y've dug up all ! gossip ab\t ,gordon
 & ,%irley y won't be s sure1 ,walt]4   
,i 01 h[ev]4 ,k5n$y 0 n z famili> ) !   
picture _w z ,i4 ,i _h he>d ( too _m    

actual happ5+s m /range & biz>re &      
wildly fanta/ic ?an any?+ conceivable 9 
o!r walks ( life4 ,p 9 ! film game1 z !y
 call x1 live highly season$ lives 9 :i*
 ev]y?+ is exagg]at$4 ,! m]e desire to  
make a place = ,enid might n h actuat$  
,w]n]1 grant+ he 0 ! guilty man4        
,nev]!less x c\ld easily h contribut$4  
,& x /ruck me sudd5ly1 an additional    
argum5t1 t ,w]n]1 ( all ( !m1 0 ! mo/   
famili> ) ! script4 ,he _h be5 able to  
ca/ himself = ! "p ( old ,rems54 ,!re 0 
n a detail :i* he c\ld n h arrang$ v    
skillfully4  ,at ! ,goats ,club ,i 0    
lucky to discov] a memb] :om ,i knew    
well en\gh to take into my confid5ce by 
/at+ my err&4 ,he 0 "o ( ! ,/>'s =m]    
special writ]s & an old] classman ( !   
college :i* _h graduat$ ,k5n$y & myself4
  ,m]le ,%irley is n a memb] "h1 he     
said4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ,i've only j   
he>d ! "n4 ,b ,jack ,gordon's a ,goat1  
worse luck4 ,t fell['s a bad actor--9   
real life--& a disgrace to u4  ,tell me 
all y "k ab\t him8 ,i ask$4  ,well1 to  

give y an example1 he 0 9 "h j ab\t a   
week ago4 ,i 0 sitt+ 9 ! grill1 eat+ an 
aft]-!at] supp]1 :5 ,i he>d ! mo/       
t]rible racket4 ,he & ,em]y ,phelps1 !  
bank]1 y "k1 7 hav+ an hone/-to-goodness
 fight "r out 9 ! lobby4 ,x took ?ree ( 
! m5 to sep>ate !m4  ,:at 0 x all ab\t4 
,well1 ,gordon owes money "r & left1 n a
 few hundr$ or "s little p]sonal debts l
 t1 b ?\s&s & ?\s&s ( doll>s4 ,i got x f
 "s ( ! o!r m5 "h t he has be5 speculat+
 on ! curb d[nt[n1 los+ consi/5tly4 ,m  
?an t1 he's engag$ to ,/ella ,lam>--y   
knew t8--& he's be5 bl[+ money on h]4   
,!n !y tell me 8 pr(essional "w is      
suff]+1 t 8 rec5t scre5 appe>ances are  
t]rible2 ! result ( late h\rs & worry1  
,i suppose4  ,! fight ) ,phelps 0 ov]   
money8  ,( c\rse6 ,i figure t he kept   
draw+ aga9/ 8 sal>y at ! /udio until !  
film company %ut d[n on him4 ,!n        
probably he began to borr[ f ,phelps1   
:o's ,manton's back] n[1 until ! bank]  
%ut d[n on him also4 ,at any rate1      
,phelps _h begun to dun him & x l$ to ! 

fight4  ,t's all y "k ab\t ,gordon8     
,"l6 ,isn't x en\gh8  ,i walk$ out ( !  
club & t[>d ,broadway1 reflect+ ^u ?is  
in=mation4 ,c\ld ,gordon's debts h any  
be>+ ^u ! case8 ,all at once "o         
possibility /ruck me4 ,he _h be5 borr[+ 
f ,phelps4 ,p]haps he _h borr[$ f ,/ella
 also4 ,p]haps t 0 ! cause ( _! qu>rel4 
,p]haps %e _h ?reat5$ to make tr\ble--x 
0 a sl5d] motive1 b wor? br++ to !      
att5tion ( ,k5n$y4  ,my imm$iate        
problem1 h[ev]1 0 to obta9 "s in=mation 
ab\t ,m]le ,%irley4 ,at fir/ ,i ?\ght ,i
 w\ld make ! r\nds ( "s ( ! bett]-kn[n  
cafes1 b t seem$ a hopeless task4       
,sudd5ly ,i rememb]$ ,belle ,balcom1    
=m]ly ) ! ,/>4 ,i recollect$ a previ\s  
case ( ,k5n$y's :]e %e & ,i _h be5 great
 rivals 9 ! que/ ( news4 ,i recall$ a   
trip we _h made to ,gre5wi* ,village    
toge!r4 ,belle knew m p ab\t t[n ?an any
 o!r newspap] woman4 ,n[1 = "s mon?s1 %e
 _h be5 connect$ ) ,scre5+s1 a lead+    
c9ema fan magaz9e1 & w\ld unque/ionably 
be po/$ ^u ! photoplay]s4  ,luckily1 ,i 

caught h] at home4  ,bless y\r s\l1 %e  
told me ov] ! phone1 9 delight1 ,i've j 
be5 a*+ = "s "o to take me out to-night4
 ,we'll g to ! ,midnight ,fads & if     
,%irley isn't !re ! head wait] w tell y 
all ,i don't rememb]4 ,x 0 a glori\s    
fight4  ,%e w\ldn't say any m ov] !     
phone1 b ,i 0 hugely curi\s4 ,_h !re be5
 ano!r enc\nt] ) fi/s8 ,& :o _h be5     
involv$8  ,:5 %e met me f9ally1 at !    
,subway /ation1 & :5 we obta9$ an       
out-(-!-way table at ! ,fads1 %e        
expla9$4 ,x seem$ t ,%irley _h met      
,/ella !re a numb] ( times & t ,gordon1 
at la/1 _h got w9d ( x4 ,gordon fir/ _h 
come up himself1 quietly1 plead+ )      
,/ella4 ,%e _h be5 9 a high humor & _h  
refus$ ev5 to li/5 to him4 ,!n he _h    
become insult+4 ,at t ,%irley knock$ him
 d[n4  ,! head wait]1 a witness ( !     
affair1 ord]$ ,gordon put out1 b did n  
reque/ ,%irley or ,/ella to leave1      
because ! o!r man _h be5 ! aggressor )\t
 any "q4 ,aft] m ?an an h\r ,gordon     
return$1 quietly & unobtrusively1 )     

ano!r girl4 ,f ,belle's description ,i  
knew x 0 ,m>ilyn ,lor+4 ,tak+ ano!r     
table1 ,m>ilyn _h />$ at ,%irley        
reproa*fully :ile ,gordon _h gl>$ at    
,/ella4  ,%irley put up ) ?is = j ab\t s
 long4 ,z ,belle describ$ x1 8 face     
gradually became m & m r$ & he controll$
 himself ) increas+ difficulty4 ,/ella1 
see+ ! com+ ( ! /orm1 tri$ to get him to
 g4 ,he refus$4 ,%e ?reat5$ to leave    
him4 ,he paid no att5tion4 ,all at once 
he boil$ ov] & ) great /rides walk$ ov] 
to ,gordon & maul$ him all ov] ! place4 
,! lead+ man _h no *ance :atev] 9 ! h&s 
( ! irate ,we/]n]4 ,sev]al wait]s1      
attempt+ to int]v5e1 7 flung aside4     
,only :5 ,%irley began to cool (f 7 !y  
able to eject ! two m54 ,bo? ,/ella &   
,m>ilyn _h left1 sep>ately1 be=e t4     
,nei!r ( ! m5 or wom5 _h be5 at ! ,fads 
s9ce1 or at lea/ ! head wait]1 call$ ov]
 by ,belle1 s in=m$ u4  ,unable to obta9
 any o!r facts ( int]e/1 ,i return$     
f9ally to ! ap>tm5t %>$ by ,k5n$y &     
myself4 ,fir/ he li/5$ to my acc\nt1    

pla9ly int]e/$4 ,!n1 :5 ,i _h conclud$1 
he rose & fac$ me r gravely4  ,x's gett+
 m & m complicat$1 ,walt]1 he exclaim$4 
,aft] y left ,i rememb]$ t !re 0 "o po9t
 ( inve/igation ,i _h fail$ to          
cov]--,miss ,lam>'s home "h 9 ! city4 ,i
 got our old fri5d1 ,fir/-,deputy       
,o',connor1 on ! wire & le>n$ t at !    
reque/ ( ,mackay1 f ,t>ryt[n1 !y _h s5t 
a man up to ! place & t j an h\r or less
 be=e ,i call$ !y _h locat$ & 7 hold+ h]
 color$ maid4 ,i hurri$ d[n to          
headqu>t]s & que/ion$ ! girl4  ,yes8 ,to
 me x s\nd$ promis+4  ,! negress didn't 
"k a ?+ s f> z ! crime is conc]n$1      
,k5n$y w5t on1 b ,i ga9$ q an insight   
into ! private life ( ! />4  ,y mean--  
,i mean ,i "k ! m5 :o w5t to ,miss      
,lam>'s ap>tm5t1 al?\gh beyond ! fact ( 
h] receiv+ !m ,i c tell no?+1 = %e s5t !
 maid home at night2 !re 7 no maid's    
qu>t]s4  ,_! visits may h be5 p]fectly  
innoc5t8  ,( c\rse6 ,we c only draw     
conclusions4  ,:o 7 ! v>i\s call]s8     
,jack ,gordon--  ,h] fiance6  ,m]le     

,%irley--  ,%irley admitt$ x :5 y       
que/ion$ him4  ,manton--  ,ev]yone kn[s 
t6  ,w]n]-- ,a side glance at me4  ,i   
said no?+4 ,my expression spoke = me4   
,& ,em]y ,phelps6  ,at t ,i did %[      
surprise4 ,al?\gh ,mackay _h h9t$ at    
some?+ ( ! k9d1 ,i1 = "o1 _h n consid]$ 
! bank] s]i\sly4  ,good heav5s6 ,k5n$y1 
,i explod$4 ,%e 0 mix$ up ) j ab\t e man
 connect$ ) ! company4  ,exactly6 ,z    
usual1 he seem$ calm & unconc]n$4  ,i   
c\ld reg>d ! case only ) increas+       
amazem5t--! bitt]1 conflict+ emotions ( 
,manton & ,phelps1 ( ,d>+1 ,%irley1 &   
,mill>d4 ,) !m all ,/ella _h be5 !      
pretty tr\ble mak]4  ,h[ d y suppose !y 
c\ld all rema9 9 ! same company8 ,i %[$ 
my surprise at ! situation4  ,k5n$y     
pond]$ a mom5t1 !n repli$3  ,a mom5t's  
reflection ought to give y "o answ]4 ,i 
?9k1 ,walt]1 !y 7 ei!r "u contract or !y
 _h _! money 9 ! company4 ,!y c\ldn't   
break4  ,i suppose s4 ,:at ,i wond] is1 
0 ,m>ilyn z jeal\s ( ,/ella z h] scre5  
"* w\ld make h] 9 a /ory8 ,%e's ! only  

"o we don't he> mu* ab\t4  ,k5n$y did n 
seem1 at lea/ at pres5t1 to give ?is    
phase ( x any?+ l ! weight he cr$it$ to 
! fr5zi$ f9ancial relations ! case 0    
uncov]+4  ,x 0 true1 z ,i le>n$ lat]1 t 
,manton 0 at t v mom5t do+ p]haps z mu* 
z anyone else ev] did to discr$it !     
picture game 9 ,wall ,/reet4     ,x     
,,*emical ,,rese>*   ,! foll[+ morn+ ,i 
f\nd ,k5n$y up ahead ( me1 & ,i felt    
c]ta9 t he _h gone to ! laboratory4     
,sure en\gh1 ,i f\nd him at "w 9 ! mid/ 
( ! innum]able sci5tific devices :i* he 
_h ga!r$ dur+ ye>s ( crime detection ( e
 sort4  ,z usual1 he 0 surr\nd$ by a    
p]fect litt] ( te/ tubes1 beak]s1       
reag5ts1 microscopes1 slides1 & culture 
tubes4 ,he _h cut out ! curi\s spots f !
 t[el ,i _h discov]$ & 0 /udy+ !m to    
det]m9e _! nature4 ,f ! mass (          
p>aph]nalia ,i knew he 0 neglect+ no    
possibility :i* might lead to ! hidd5   
tru? or produce a clue to ! crime4  ,h y
 le>n$ any?+ yet8 ,i ask$4  ,^? br[ni%  
spots 7 blood1 ( c\rse1 0 8 reply z he  

/opp$ a mom5t 9 8 "w4 ,9 ! blood ,i     
discov]$ "s o!r sub/ance1 ?\gh ,i c't   
seem to id5tify x yet4 ,x w take "t4 ,i 
?\ght x might be a drug or poison1 b x  
doesn't seem to be--at lea/ no?+ "o     
might ord9>ily expect4  ,h[ ab\t ! o!r  
spots1 n ! ,*9ese yell[8  ,ano!r problem
 ,i hav5't solv$4 ,i dissolv$ en\gh ( !m
 s t ,i h pl5ty ( mat]ial to /udy if ,i 
don't wa/e x4 ,b s f> ,i hav5't be5 able
 to id5tify ! sub/ance ) any?+ ,i "k4   
,!re's a lot m "w ( elim9ation1 ,walt]1 
be=e we're on ! road to ! solution ( ?is
 case4 ,:atev] /a9$ ! t[el 0 v unusual4 
,z ne> z ,i c make out ! spots are ( "s 
prote9 composition4 ,b x's n exactly a  
poison1 al?\gh _m prote9s may be        
extremely poison\s & extremely difficult
 to id5tify because !y are ( organic    
nature4  ,i 0 disappo9t$4 ,x seem$ to me
 t he _h made comp>atively little       
progress s f>4  ,!re's "o ?+1 he add$4  
,samples ( ! body fluids ( ! victim h   
be5 s5t d[n by ! coron] at ,t>ryt[n & ,i
 h analyz$ !m4 ,:ile ,i hav5't decid$   

:at x 0 t kill$ ,/ella ,lam>1 ,i am at  
lea/ conv9c$ t x has some?+ to d ) ^!   
t[el spots4 ,!y are n exactly ! same--9 
fact1 ,i %\ld say !y 7 complem5t>y1 or1 
p]haps bett]1 anti!tical4  ,! m>k wasn't
 made by ! ne$le :i* scrat*$ h]1 !n8    
,t's :at ,i ?\ght at fir/1 t ! po9t us$ 
_h be5 wip$ (f on ! t[el4 ,!n ,i decid$ 
t ! spots _h no?+ to d ) ! case at all4 
,n[ ,i believe !re is "s connection1    
aft] all4  ,i--,i don't und]/& x1 ,i    
prote/$4  ,x's v baffl+1 he agre$1      
abs5t-m9d$ly4  ,if ! t[el wasn't us$ to 
clean ! fatal ne$le1 ,i w5t on1 !n x may
 h be5 us$ be=e !y w5t out in/ead (     
aft]w>d4  ,exactly4 ,z a matt] ( fact1  
if ,i _h n be5 s confus$ ye/]day by all 
! details ( ! case1 by ! _m p involv$1  
,i w\ld h notic$ at a glance t ! blood  
spots on ! t[el c\ld n come f "s "o us+ 
x to wipe ! ne$le4 ,& any hypo!sis t x  
_h be5 us$ out 9 ,t>ryt[n 0 ridicul\s1  
because ,miss ,lam> 0 only scrat*$      
fa9tly & lo/ no blood4 ,if ,i _h be5 a  
little m clev] ,i might h be5 altoge!r  

too clev]4 ,i might possibly h ?r[n !   
t[el away1 because !re c]ta9ly 0 no     
logical reason = connect+ x ) ! crime4  
,j :5 d y suppose ,/ella 0 prick$8 ,i   
ask$4  ,t's a vital consid]ation4 ,j n[ 
,i d n "k ! poison & s _c tell h[       
quickly x act$4 ,he began to put aside 8
 v>i\s p>aph]nalia4 ,suppose we g at ?is
 ?+ by a process ( d$uction r ?an f !   
end ( sci5tific analysis4 ,he sat on a  
corn] ( ! b5*4 ,:at d we f9d8 he began4 
,:ile ,i've be5 work+ "h ) ! te/ tubes &
 ! microscope ,i've be5 try+ to         
recon/ruct :at mu/ h happ5$1 try+ to    
trace out e action ( ,/ella ,lam> z     
ne>ly z x is possible = u to d s4 ,i    
don't ?9k we ne$ to g back ( _! arrival 
at ! h\se1 = ! pres5t4 ,!y seem to h be5
 !re a long :ile be=e ! tak+ ( !        
p>ticul> sc5e1 s9ce !re 7 twelve o!r    
sc5es prec$+ & s9ce x requires "t to put
 up ! electric lights & make !          
connections1 z well z to set ! cam]as1  
take te/s1 re>range ! furniture1 & all !
 re/ ( x4  ,!y arriv$ at ! h\se 9 two   

automobiles2 ) ! exception ( ,phelps1 :o
 0 !re already1 & ,manton1 :o came 9 8  
own lim\s9e4 ,t means t ,miss ,lam> _h  
company on ! trip out1 ! pr9cipals      
probably rid+ ) ea* o!r 9 "o c>4 ,at !  
h\se !y 7 all m or less toge!r4 ,!re 7 p
 ab\t con/antly & x w\ld seem z if !re 0
 small opportunity = anyone to inflict !
 scrat* :i* caus$ h] dea?4 ,i don't mean
 t x w\ld h be5 impossible to prick h]4 
,i mean t %e w\ld h felt ! jab ( ! po9t4
 ,9 all likelihood %e w\ld h cri$ out & 
glanc$ ar\nd4 ,take a ne$le y\rself1    
sometime1 ,walt]1 & try to duplicate !  
scrat* on y\r own arm 9 su* a way t y   
w\ld n be aw>e ( x4  ,s y see ,i'm c\nt+
 ^u "s sort ( exclamation f ,miss ,lam>4
 ,if %e 7 inoculat$ ) ! poison ) o!r    
folks ab\t1 x is sure "s "o w\ld h      
rememb]$ a cry1 a que/ion+ glance1 a    
quick grasp ( ! =e>m--= ! n]ves are v   
s5sitive 9 ! sk9 !re--  ,no "o did      
recall any?+ ( ! k9d1 ,i int]rupt$4  ,x 
is f t fact t ,i hope to d$uce some?+4  
,n[ let's foll[ h]1 figuratively1 to h] 

little dress+ room4 ,?is 0 a "p ( ! liv+
 room :]e ! re/ wait$4 ,x is n a        
c]ta9ty1 b yet r a sure guess1 t if %e  
_h receiv$ a scrat* beh9d ^? ?9 silk    
curta9s h] cry w\ld h be5 he>d4 ,:at is 
ev5 m plausible is t %e w\ld h hurri$   
out1 or at lea/ put h] head out1 to see 
:o _h prick$ h]4  ,i made a v c>eful    
exam9ation ( t little alcove ) ! idea t 
"s artifice might h be5 us$4 ,x occurr$ 
to me t a poison$ po9t c\ld h be5 ins]t$
 9 h] belong+s 9 "s way s t %e w\ld h   
br\ght ab\t h] own dea?1 directly4 ,to h
 caught h]self on a ne$le po9t 9 h] bag1
 = in/ance1 w\ld n h impress$ h] to !   
po9t ( mak+ a di/urbance4 ,%e might h   
*eck$ h] exclamation1 9 t case1 because 
%e w\ld be blam+ h]self4  ,b ,i f\nd    
no?+ 9 h] ?+s1 nor did ,i discov] any?+ 
9 ! libr>y4 ,x seems to me1 !re=e1 t we 
mu/ look = a direct human ag5cy4  ,a    
?\ght /ruck me & ,i ha/5$ to sugge/ x4  
,c\ld "s device h be5 arrang$ 9 h]      
clo!s1 ,craig2 some?+ l ! poison r+s ( !
 ,middle ,ages1 a t9y metal ?+ to spr+  

op5 & expose its po9t :5 press$ aga9/ h]
 9 ! action ( ! sc5es8  ,t occurr$ to me
 at ! "t4 ,t's :y ,i ask$ ,mackay to s5d
 all h] clo!s d[n "h1 e /it* & rag ( !m4
 ,i've gone ov] ev]y?+ already ?is      
morn+4 ,n only h ,i exam9$ ! v>i\s      
mat]ials = /a9s1 b ,i've te/$ ea* hook &
 eye & button & p94 ,i've be5 v c>eful  
to cov] t possibility4  ,y ?9k1 !n1 %e 0
 scrat*$ delib]ately by "s "o dur+ !    
tak+ ( ! sc5es8  ,if y've foll[$ my l9e 
( reason+ y w see t we are driv5 to t   
assumption4 ,p]haps lat] ,i w make te/s 
on a giv5 numb] ( girls ( ,/ella's g5]al
 age & type & temp]am5t to %[ t !y w cry
 out at ! unexpect$ prick ( a f9e ne$le4
 ,x's illogical to expect t a cry f     
,miss ,lam>1 ev5 an exclamation1 w\ld h 
pass$ unnotic$ except dur+ ! excitem5t (
 actual picture tak+4  ,ano!r           
inspiration came to me1 b ,i 0 almo/    
afraid to voice x4 ,x seem$ a d>+ !ory4 
,c\ld dea? h result$ f poison adm9i/]$ 9
 "s o!r fa%ion1 by some?+ %e _h eat51 = 
in/ance8 ,i v5tur$4 ,c\ldn't ! scrat* be

 co9cid5tal8  ,k5n$y %ook 8 head4 ,!re's
 ! value ( our *emical analysis &       
sci5tific te/s4 ,h] /oma* cont5ts %[$   
no?+ except z !y might h be5 affect$ by 
h] weak5$ condition4 ,f ,doctor ,blake's
 report--& he f\nd no ord9>y symptoms1  
rememb]--& f my own obs]vation1 too1 ,i 
c easily prove 9 c\rt t %e 0 kill$ by ! 
m>k :i* 0 s small t x escap$ ! physician
 altoge!r4  ,i turn$ away4 ,once m      
,k5n$y's reason+ seem$ to be lead+ into 
a maze ( consid]ations beyond me4 ,h[   
c\ld ! d$uctive me?od produce results 9 
a case z my/]i\s z ?is8  ,hav+ det]m9$ t
 ,miss ,lam> receiv$ ! inoculation dur+ 
! mak+ ( "o ( ! sc5es1 z ne>ly z we c d 
s1 ,k5n$y w5t on1 suppose we take !     
sc5es 9 ord]1 "o at a "t1 f ! la/       
photograph$ to ! fir/1 analyz+ ea* 9    
turn4 ,rememb] t we seek a situation :]e
 !re is n only an opportunity to jab h] 
) a ne$le1 b "o 9 :i* an outcry w\ld be 
muffl$ or inaudible4  ,i n[ saw t ,k5n$y
 _h br\ght 9 ! b\nd script ( ! /ory1 ,! 
,black ,t]ror1 & ,i wond]$ aga91 z ,i _h

 (t5 be=e1 at 8 m>vel\s capacity =      
att5tion to detail4  ',! spotlight on ! 
floor reveals ! girl sobb+ ov] ! body ( 
! millionaire1' he read1 al\d1 mus+ly4  
,h'mm6 ',%e screams & cries out4' ,!n ! 
o!rs ru% 94  ,= sev]al mom5ts ,k5n$y    
pac$ ! floor ( ! laboratory1 !          
manuscript op5 9 8 h&s4  ,we rehe>s$ t1 
) ,w]n]2 & we que/ion$ ev]yone1 too4 ,& 
rememb]6 ,miss ,lam>1 in/ead ( cry+ out 
z %e 0 suppos$ to d1 j crumpl$ up       
sil5tly4 ,s--?umb+ ov] a page--we "w    
back to sc5e twelve4 ,%e--%e 0 n 9 t at 
all4 ,sc5e elev5--  ,sl[ly1 c>efully1   
,k5n$y w5t ?r\gh ea* sc5e to ! beg9n+4  
,c]ta9ly a dramatic op5+ = a my/]y      
picture1 he rem>k$1 sudd5ly1 z ?\gh 8   
m9d _h w&]$ f 8 problem to o!r ?+s4 ,we 
mu/ admit t ,mill>d c h&le a            
mov+-picture sc5>io mo/ beautifully4    
,:e!r x 0 pr(essional jeal\sy or ! ?\ght
 ( ,enid1 r ?an ! memory ( my own poor  
attempts at scre5 writ+1 ,i c]ta9ly 0 9 
no mood to agree ) ,k5n$y1 = all t ,i   
knew he 0 correct4  ,"h6 ,he ?ru/ ! b9d]

 9 my h&s4 ,read t fir/ sc5e1 he        
direct$4 ,mean:ile ,i am go+ to phone   
,mackay to make sure he has _h ! h\se   
gu>d$ & to make d\ble sure no "o goes   
ne> ! libr>y4 ,we're go+ out to ,t>ryt[n
 aga91 ,walt]1 & 9 ! bigge/ k9d ( hurry4
  ,:at's ! idea1 ,craig8 ,k5n$y's       
occasional bur/s ( my/]i\sness1         
*>act]i/ic ( him & (t5 necess>y :5 8    
!ories 7 only half =m$ & too *aotic =   
explanations1 always piqu$ me4  ,he did 
n seem to he>4 ,already he 0 at !       
telephone1 manipulat+ ! receiv] hook    
impati5tly4 ,:at a dummy ,i am6 he      
exclaim$1 ) g5u9e feel+4 ,:at--:at an   
awful dummy6  ,kn[+ ,i w\ld get no?+ out
 ( him j yet1 ,i turn$ to ! sc5e1 read+ 
z he told me4 ,at fir/ ,i c\ld n see :]e
 ! detail conc]n$ ,/ella ,lam> 9 any    
way4 ,!n ,i came to ! description ( h]  
introductory entrance1 ! initial view ( 
h] 9 ! film4 ,! l9es ( typewrit+ sudd5ly
 /ood out be=e me 9 all _! sugge/ive    
cle>ness4       ,! spotlight 9 ! h&s ( a
 %ad[y figure roves across      ! wall &

 to ! porti]es4 ,z x pauses !re !       
porti]es move & ! f+]s ( a girl are se5 
on !      edge ( ! silk4 ,a b>e &       
beautiful arm is ?ru/ ?r\gh      almo/  
to ! %\ld] & x beg9s to move ! porti]es 
aside1 rea*+ upw>d to pull ! curta9s    
ap>t at !      r+s4  ,y ?9k !re's some?+
 ab\t ! porti]es-- ,i began4  ,!n ,i saw
 t ,k5n$y _h 8 connection1 t some?+     
di/urb$ him1 t "s intellig5ce f ! o!r   
end _h caught him by surprise4  ,y say y
 7 j try+ to get me1 ,mackay8 ,y've     
some?+ to tell me & y want me to come "r
 out--y h summon$ ,phelps & he's on 8   
way f ! city also--8  ,:at happ5$8 ,i   
ask$1 z ,k5n$y hung up4  ,i don't "k1   
,walt]4 ,mackay said he didn't want to  
talk ov] ! phone & t we _h j "t to cat* 
! express4  ,b--  ,hurry6 ,he glanc$    
ab\t z if wond]+ :e!r any ( 8 sci5tific 
in/rum5ts w\ld help him4     ,,xi       
,,=e/all$   ,on ! tra9 ,k5n$y left me1  
to look ?r\gh ! o!r c>s1 hav+ ! idea t  
,phelps might be abo>d also4 ,b !re 7 no
 signs ( ! bank]4 ,we w\ld rea* ,t>ryt[n

 fir/ unless he _h *os5 to motor out4   
,mackay 0 wait+ at ! /ation to meet u & 
to take u to ! h\se4 ,! little di/rict  
attorney 0 obvi\sly excit$4  ,0 ! place 
gu>d$ well la/ night8 ask$ ,k5n$y1 almo/
 be=e we _h %ak5 h&s4  ,yes--t is1 ,i   
?\ght x 04 ,t's :at ,i want to tell y4  
,aft] y left ) ,manton & ,w]n] ! re/ ( !
 company pack$ up & pull$ out 9 ! two   
/udio c>s4 ,i 0 a little 9 d\bt :at to d
 ab\t ,phelps1 b he settl$ x himself by 
ann\nc+ t he 0 go+ to t[n4 ,! coron]    
came & issu$ ! p]mit to remove ! body & 
t 0 tak5 away4 ,i ?9k ! h\se & ! pres5ce
 ( ! dead girl & all ! re/ ( x got on   
,phelps's n]ves1 because he 0 irritable 
& impati5t1 unwill+ to wait = 8 own c>1 
until f9ally ,i drove him to ! /ation   
myself4  ,0 anyone1 any ( ^? on our li/ 
( possible suspects at lea/1 alone 9 !  
room--or 9 ! h\se8  ,n :ile ,i 0 !re1   
,mackay repli$4 ,i took good c>e ( t4   
,!n1 :5 ev]yone 0 gone & :ile ,phelps 0 
wait+ = me1 ,i detail$ two ( my deputies
 to /ay on gu>d--"o inside & "o         

outside--= ! night4 ,i ?\ght x suffici5t
 precaution1 s9ce y _h made y\r         
prelim9>y exam9ation4  ,&-- ,k5n$y      
nodd$1 seek+ to hurry ! explanation4  ,&
 yet1 add$ ,mackay1 "s "o ent]$ ! h\se  
la/ night 9 spite ( u4  ,k5n$y fairly   
swore "u 8 brea?4 ,he seem$ to blame    
himself = "s omission 9 8 inve/igation !
 previ\s aft]noon4  ,h[ did x happ58 ,i 
ask$1 r excit$ly4  ,x 0 ab\t ?ree       
o'clock1 ! gu>ds tell me4 ,! man inside 
0 doz+ 9 a *air be=e ! liv+-room        
fireplace4 ,he 0 plac$ s he c\ld comm& a
 view ( ! doorway to ! libr>y z well z !
 /airs & reception hall4 ,all at once he
 0 awak5$ by a %ot & a cry f outside4   
,he jump$ up & ran t[>d ! libr>y4 ,z he 
did s ! porti]es belli$ 9 t[>d him1 z if
 9 /iff sudd5 draught1 or z if "s "o _h 
d>t$ into _! folds quickly1 !n out4 ,)  
no hesitation he drew 8 own weapon1 ru%+
 ! curta9s4 ,!re 0 no "o secret$ ab\t   
!m4 ,!n1 ) ! revolv] 9 "o h&1 he swit*$ 
on ! lights4 ,! room 0 empty4 ,b "o pair
 ( ,fr5* w9d[s at ! f>!r end 7 wide op5 

& x 0 t :i* _h caus$ ! curr5t ( air4 ,he
 ran ov] & f\nd ! lock _h be5 =c$4 ,x 0 
n ev5 an arti/ic job ( jimmy+4  ,:at    
ab\t ! deputy po/$ outside8 prompt$     
,k5n$y4  ,t's ! /range "p ( x4 ,he 0    
al]t en\gh1 b x's a big h\se to wat*4   
,he swe>s t ! fir/ ?+ he knew ( any     
tr\ble 0 ! %>p metallic click :i* he    
realiz$ lat] 0 ! s\nd made by ! intrud] 
9 =c+ ! cat* ( ! ,fr5* w9d[4 ,x 0 pretty
 l\d out 9 ! quiet ( a ,t>ryt[n night4  
,he />t$ ar\nd f ! re> & !n ! next ?+ he
 caught 0 ! outl9e ( a %ad[y sl9k+      
figure z a man dropp$ out ( ! libr>y4   
,he call$4 ,! intrud] broke into a run1 
d>t+ across ! op5 space ( lawn & cra%+  
?r\gh ! %rubb]y )\t any fur!r ef=t at   
concealm5t4 ,my man call$ aga9 & began  
to *ase ! /rang]1 f9ally fir+ & miss+4  
,9 ! %rubb]y a %>p bran* :ipp$ him "u ! 
*9 j z he obta9$ a cle> view ( ! outl9$ 
figure ( 8 qu>ry & z he rais$ 8 weapon  
to %oot aga94 ,! revolv] 0 knock$ f 8 h&
 & he 0 ?r[n back1 fall+ to ! gr\nd &   
mom5t>ily /unn$4 ,:oev] broke into !    

libr>y got away1 ( c\rse4  ,:at did !   
intrud] look l8 ,!re 0 an eag]ness 9    
,k5n$y's mann]4 ,i grasp$ t ! case 0    
beg9n+ to cl>ify itself 9 8 m9d4        
,mackay %ook 8 head4 ,!re 0 no moon1 y  
"k1 & ev]y?+ happ5$ swiftly4  ,b 0 he   
tall or %ort or sl5d] or /\t--! deputy  
mu/ h got "s vague idea ( him at lea/4  
,x 0 "o ( my amateur deputies1 ,mackay  
admitt$1 reluctantly4 ,he ?\ght ! man 0 
hatless1 b c\ldn't ev5 be sure ( t4  ,7 
!re footpr9ts1 or f+]pr9ts--  ,no1 ,mr4 
,k5n$y1 we're out ( luck aga94 ,:5 he   
jump$ out he fell to 8 h&s & knees 9 a  
g>d5 b$4 ,! foot m>ks 7 ru9$ because 8  
feet slid & simply made two irregul>    
ga%es4 ,! m>ks ( 8 h&s indicat$ to me1  
anyh[1 t he wore heavy gloves1 rubb]    
probably4  ,any di/urbance 9 ! libr>y8  
,n t ,i c\ld notice4 ,t's :y ,i phon$ y 
at once4 ,i'm hop+ y'll discov] some?+4 
,well-- ,k5n$y sigh$4 ,x 0 a wond]ful   
opportunity to get to ! bottom ( ?is4   
,i hav5't told y all yet1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1  
,mackay w5t on4 ,!re 0 a second man1 &--

  ,a second man8 ,k5n$y /raight5$1      
di/9ctly surpris$4 ,i w\ld swe> ?is :ole
 ?+ 0 a "o-man job4  ,!y w]5't toge!r1 !
 di/rict attorney expla9$4 ,t's :y ,i   
didn't m5tion !m bo? at once4 ,b my     
deputy says t :5 he 0 ?r[n by ! la% ( ! 
bran* he 0 unable to move = a few       
seconds1 on acc\nt ( ! n]ve %ock ,i     
suppose1 & t :ile he 0 motionless1      
squatt$ 9 a sort ( sitt+ position ) h&s 
brac$ beh9d him1 j z he fell1 he 0 aw>e 
( a second /rang] conceal$ 9 ! %rubb]y4 
,! second fell[ 0 wat*+ ! fir/1 )\t ! "q
 ( a d\bt4 ,:ile ! deputy sl[ly rose to 
8 feet ?is o!r *ap />t$ to foll[ ! man  
:o _h brok5 into ! h\se4 ,b at t mom5t  
!re 0 ! sudd5 s\nd ( a self-/>t] 9 a c>1
 !n ! purr ( a motor & ! clatt] ( ge>s4 
,numb] "o spun (f 9 ! d>kness ( ! road z
 pretty z y please4 ,numb] two grunt$1 9
 pla9 disgu/4  ,by ?is "t my deputy _h 8
 w9d4 ,8 revolv] 0 gone1 b he jump$ !   
second /rang] ) little en\gh hesitation 
& !y battl$ royally = sev]al m9utes 9 ! 
d>k4 ,un=tunately1 x 0 an unequal mat*4 

,! intrud] app>5tly 0 a /ocky man1 built
 ) ! /r5g? ( a battle%ip4 ,he got away  
also1 )\t leav+ any?+ beh9d him to s]ve 
= id5tification4  ,y h no m description 
?an ( ! fir/ man8  ,un=tunately n4      
,m$ium height1 a little incl9$ to be    
/ocky1 /rong z a long%oreman--t's all4  
,are y sure y\r deputy isn't romanc+8   
,positively6 ,he's ! son ( "o ( our be/ 
families "h1 a sportsman & an a?lete4 ,i
 knew he lov$ a l>k1 or a *ance =       
adv5ture1 & s ,i impress$ him & a       
companion z deputies :5 ,i met !m on !  
/reet on my way up to ,phelps's h\se j  
aft] ! trag$y4  ,k5n$y laps$ into ?\ght4
 ,:o c\ld ! self-con/itut$ wat*] h be58 
,:o 0 int]e/$ 9 ?is case o!r ?an ! prop]
 au?orities8 ,app>5tly "s "o knew m ?an 
,mackay1 m ?an ,k5n$y4 ,:oev] x 0 _h    
made no ef=t to communicate ) any ( u4  
,?is 0 a new angle to ! my/]y1 a my/]y  
:i* became deep] z we progress$4  ,at ! 
h\se ,k5n$y fir/ made a c>eful t\r ( !  
ext]ior1 b f\nd no?+4 ,mackay _h d\bl$ 8
 gu>ds & _h s5t ,phelps's s]vants away s

 t !re c\ld be no int]f]5ce4  ,once     
inside1 ,i notic$ t ,k5n$y seem$        
indispos$ to make ano!r m9ute se>* ( !  
libr>y4 ,he w5t ov] ! frame ( ! ,fr5*   
w9d[ ) 8 l5s c>efully1 = f+]pr9ts4 ,f9d+
 no?+1 he w5t back directly to !        
porti]es4  ,= sev]al mom5ts he /ood     
reg>d+ !m 9 ?\ght4 ,!n he began a mo/   
pa9/ak+ inspection ( ! clo? ) ! pocket  
glass1 beg9n+ at ! libr>y side4  ,i     
rememb]$ t fir/ sc5e 9 ! manuscript :i* 
,k5n$y _h insi/$ ,i read4 ,i recall$ !  
suspicion :i* _h fla%$ to me be=e !     
message f ,mackay _h di/urb$ bo?        
,k5n$y's ?\ghts & m9e4 ,/ella ,lam> _h  
?ru/ h] b>e arm ?r\gh ?is curta94 ,a    
ne$le1 clev]ly conceal$ 9 ! folds1 might
 easily h inflict$ ! fatal scrat*4 ,x 0 
= a trace ( ! poison po9t t ,k5n$y      
se>*$4 ,( t ,i 0 sure1 kn[+ 8 me?ods4   
,i glanc$ up & d[n ! heavy hang+ silk1  
look+ = ! gl9t ( f9e %>p /eel z ,k5n$y  
_h done be=e />t+ 8 inspection ) !      
glass4 ,! color ( ! silk1 a beautiful   
heavy vel\r1 0 a /range d>k t9t v close 

to ! gra9$ black-br[n ( ! woodwork4 ,bo?
 ! ?ickness ( ! mat]ial & its dull %ade 
made ! porti]es s]ve ideally = ! purpose
 assum$ n[ bo? by ,k5n$y & myself4 ,a   
t9y ne$le might rema9 secret$ )9 _!     
folds = days4 ,no?+1 c]ta9ly1 caught my 
nak$ eye4  ,at la/ a little exclamation 
f ,k5n$y %[$ u t he _h discov]$ some?+4 
,i mov$ clos]1 z did ,mackay4  ,x's     
lucky none ( u toy$ ) ^! curta9s        
ye/]day1 he rem>k$1 ) a slight smile (  
gratification4 ,!re might h be5 m ?an "o
 ly+ :]e ,/ella ,lam> lies at ! pres5t  
mom5t4  ,) :olesome respect nei!r       
,mackay nor myself t\*$ ! silk z ,k5n$y 
po9t$4 ,!re 7 two small holes1 almo/    
microscopic1 9 ! close-wov5 mat]ial4    
,ab\t ! "o !re 0 ! slighte/             
discoloration4 ,n a fraction ( an in*   
away ,i saw two inf9itesimal spots ( a  
d>k br[ni%-r$ t+e4  ,:at does x mean8 ,i
 ask$1 al?\gh ,i c\ld guess4  ,! d>k    
spots are blood1 ! discoloration !      
poison f ! ne$le4  ,& ! ne$le8  ,he     
%rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,t's :]e our v         

sci5tific culprit has =e/all$ me1       
,walt]6 ,! ne$le 0 9 ^! curta9s all day 
ye/]day4 ,un=tunately1 ,i did n /udy !  
manuscript1 did n atta* any importance  
to ,miss ,lam>'s sc5e at ! porti]es4  ,!
 man :o broke 9 la/ night--  ,remov$ !  
ne$le1 b--almo/ amus$--n ! traces ( x4  
,y see1 ,walt]1 aft] all1 ! sci5tific   
detective _c be =e/all$ ev5 by ! mo/    
sci5tific crim9al4 ,!re is no?+ 9 ! _w  
:i* does n leave its unmi/akable m>k    
beh9d1 provid$ y c read x4 ,! hole 9 !  
clo? s]ves me q z well z ! ne$le itself4
  ,v sudd5ly a voice f beh9d u          
int]rupt$4  ,f9d some?+8  ,i turn$1     
/>tl$1 to see ,em]y ,phelps4 ,!re 0 a   
di/9ct eag]ness 9 ! bank]'s expression4 
,yes6 ,k5n$y fac$ him1 undi/urb$1       
app>5tly n surpris$4 ,8 scrut9y (       
,phelps's face 0 frank & se>*+4 ,yes1 he
 repeat$1 bit by bit ! guilty man is    
reveal+ himself to u4     ,,xii  ,,em]y 
,,phelps   ,!re--!re is some?+ ! matt] )
 ! curta9s8 ,phelps sugge/$4  ,k5n$y    
po9t$ to ! two holes & ! spots4 ,miss   

,lam> met h] dea? f poison introduc$    
into h] sy/em ?r\gh a t9y scrat* f a    
prep>$ ne$le4  ,yes8 ,phelps 0 calm n[1 
& cool4 ,i wond]$ if x 7 pret5se on 8   
"p4 ,:at h ^! little m>ks to d ) t8     
,don't y see8 rejo9$ ,k5n$y4 ,if "s "o  
_h come "h be=e ! sc5e 9 ! picture 0    
play$2 _h ?ru/ a small ne$le1 p]haps a  
holl[ ne$le f a hypod]mic syr+e1 ?r\gh !
 heavy ?ickness ( ?is silk--?ru/ x 9 "h1
 ! po9t /ick+ out "h--well1 !re w\ld be 
two holes left :]e ! ?reads 7 =c$ ap>t1 
l ?is6 ,k5n$y took 8 /ickp91 demon/rat+4
  ,h[ c\ld t cause ,/ella's dea?8       
,phelps1 at fir/ q upset app>5tly by    
,k5n$y's discov]y1 n[ 0 laps+ aga9 into 
8 ho/ile mood4 ,8 "q 0 cynical4  ,try to
 recall ,miss ,lam>'s actions1 ,k5n$y   
w5t on1 pati5tly4 ,:at 0 %e suppos$ to d
 9 ! v fir/ sc5e8 ',! porti]es move & ! 
f+]s ( a girl are se5 on ! edge ( !     
silk4 ,a b>e & beautiful arm is ?ru/    
?r\gh almo/ to ! %\ld] & x beg9s to move
 ! porti]es aside1 rea*+ upw>d to pull !
 curta9s ap>t at ! r+s4'  ,d y mean to  

tell me-- ,phelps's eyes 7 v wide z he  
paus$1 grasp+ ! s*eme & yet             
disbeliev+--unless x all 7 a bit ( f9e  
act+--d y mean to tell me x is possible 
to calculate a ?+ l t8 ,h[ w\ld anyone  
"k :]e h] arm w\ld be8  ,x is simpl] ?an
 x s\nds1 ,mr4 ,phelps4 ,k5n$y 0 sudd5ly
 h>%4 ,!re is only "o natural movem5t ( 
an arm 9 t case4 ,! culprit 0 und\bt$ly 
famili> ) ,miss ,lam>'s height & ) h]   
mann] ( work+4 ,x is a bit ( action :i* 
has to be repeat$ 9 bo? ! long %ot &    
close-up sc5es4 ,jameson "h c tell y h[ 
_m times a sc5e is rehe>s$4 ,!re        
probably 7 a doz5 sure *ances ( ! ne$le 
/rik+ ! girl's b>e fle%4 ,y w see f !   
position ( ! holes t x 0 arrang$ po9t   
d[nw>d & slightly turn$ 91 & on a       
p>ticul> fold ( ! curta91 too2 %[+ t "s 
"o plac$ x !re only aft] a nice bit (   
calculation4 ,fur!rmore1 x 0 high en\gh 
s t !re 0 little *ance ( anyone be+     
prick$ except ! />1 ^: dea? 0 int5d$4   
,phelps ei!r seem$ conv9c$1 or else he  
felt x inadvisable to irritate ,k5n$y by

 a fur!r pret5se ( skepticism4  ,a po9t 
occurr$ to me1 h[ev]4 ,li/51 ,craig6 ,i 
spoke 9 a l[ voice4 ,rememb] all !      
emphasis y plac$ ^u ! fact t %e w\ld cry
 out4 ,%e 0 n suppos$ to cry out 9 t    
fir/ sc5e4  ,no1 ,walt]1 b if y'll read 
! second1 ! close-up1 y'll see t !      
script actually calls = a cry4 ,n[      
suppose %e makes an exclamation 9 ! fir/
 in/ead4 ,nobody w\ld ?9k any?+ ( x4 ,!y
 w\ld assume t %e _h play$ h] action a  
little 9 advance1 p]haps4  ,& !n consid]
 ?is1 too6 ,miss ,lam>1 receiv+ !       
scrat*1 w\ld cry out unque/ionably4 ,b  
%e has be5 be=e ! cam]a = ye>s & %e is  
tra9$ 9 ! idea t film mu/ n be wa/$     
uselessly4 ,%e w\ld n int]rupt h] action
 = a little scrat* because 9 ^!         
circum/ances any little />tl$ movem5t   
w\ld fit 9 ) ! action4 ,by ! "t ! sc5e 0
 ov] %e w\ld h =gott5 ! incid5t4 ,x w\ld
 mean v little to h] 9 ! preoccupation (
 br++ ! my?ical ,/ella ,rems5 into      
fle%-&-blood exi/5ce4 ,! poison1 h[ev]1 
w\ld be putt+ 9 its deadly "w4  ,w\ldn't

 x act be=e ! ?irte5? sc5e-- ,i began4  
,n necess>ily4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 an    
actress1 9 ! excitem5t ( h] "w1 might   
resi/ ! effects = a mu* long] p]iod ?an 
"s "o :o realizes he is sick4 ,"s day   
,i'm go+ to write a book on t4 ,i'm go+ 
to collect hundr$s ( examples ( p :o    
keep plugg+ along because !y refuse to  
admit any?+'s ! matt] ) !m4 ,x's l      
,napoleon's c\ri] :o didn't drop until  
he'd deliv]$ 8 message & made 8 la/     
precise milit>y salute4  ,"o o!r ?\ght  
/ruck me4 ,! blood spots on ! curta9 _c 
be ,miss ,lam>'s if1 z y say1 ! scrat*  
br\ght no blood4  ,h[ ab\t ! nocturnal  
visitor :o remov$ ! ne$le 9 ! d>k8 ,c't 
y imag9e him prick+ himself beautifully 
9 8 hurry4  ,good heav5s6 ,i felt !     
*ills travel up & d[n my sp9e4 ,!re may 
be ano!r fatality1 !n6 ,i exclaim$4     
,k5n$y 0 noncommittal4 ,x w\ld be too   
bad = ju/ice to be *eat$ 9 t fa%ion1 he 
rem>k$4  ,phelps mean:ile _h be5 li/5+  
to u impati5tly4 ,f9ally he turn$ to    
,mackay4  ,0 t all y call$ me out "h =8 

,did y j want to %[ me ! p9holes 9 ^?   
porti]es8  ,n exactly1 ,mackay repli$1  
eye+ him %>ply4 ,"s "o =c$ 8 way into   
?is libr>y la/ night4 ,my gu>d saw him1 
& also saw a second man :o rema9$ out 9 
! %rubb]y & seem$ to be wat*+ ! fir/4   
,"o %ot 0 fir$1 b bo? m5 got away4 ,an  
automobile 0 wait+1 p]haps two ( !m4    
,h[ does ?is conc]n me8 ,phelps's voice 
rose 9 ang]4 ,he /rode into ! libr>y &  
ov] to ! ,fr5* w9d[s1 inspect+ ! damage 
to ! f9e woodwork ) /eadily ris+ color4 
,!n he hurri$ back to ! side ( ,mackay4 
,x's up to y1 ,di/rict-,attorney        
,mackay1 he said1 ) a great %[ ( 8 ill  
feel+4 ,y practically =c$ me out ( my   
own h\se4 ,y s5t my s]vants away4 ,y put
 y\r own gu>ds 9 *>ge1 "y1 inexp]i5c$   
deputies :o don't "k en\gh to come 9 :5 
x's wet4 ,n[ y h me make ?is trip out "h
 9 bus9ess h\rs j to %[ me :]e a ne$le  
has be5 /uck 9 a curta9 & :]e a pair (  
import$ w9d[ sa%es h be5 ru9$4  ,mackay 
0 unruffl$4 ,x is necess>y1 ,mr4        
,phelps1 t y look ov] ?is room & see t  

no?+ else has be5 di/urb$2 t !re is no  
fur!r damage4 ,moreov]1 ,i ?\ght y might
 be int]e/$1 might wi% to help u det]m9e
 ! id5tity ( ! intrud]4  ,if !re's any  
way ,i c really help y to d             
t--s>ca/ically--,i'll be delight$4  ,7 y
 "h ! night be=e ! murd]8 ,mackay ask$4 
,y "k ,i seldom sp5d ! night 9 ,t>ryt[n4
 ,i h qu>t]s 9 ,new ,york1 at ! club1 & 
rec5tly ,i h be5 sp5d+ all my "t 9 ,new 
,york1 on acc\nt ( ! situation 9 !      
picture bus9ess4  ,y 7 n "h ! night be=e
 ! murd]1 !n8  ,no6  ,b y 7 out "h      
ye/]day be=e ! actors arriv$1 be=e      
,manton or any ( 8 te*nical /aff & crew 
came8  ,i 0 out v e>ly1 to make sure !  
s]vants _h ! h\se ready4 ,phelps 0 r$   
n[4 ,are y ins9uat+ any?+1 ,mackay8  ,! 
little di/rict attorney 0 demon/rat+ a  
c]ta9 quality ( dogg$ p]sev]ance4 ,"s "o
 put ! ne$le 9 ! curta9 be=e ! company  
arriv$4 ,y probably 7 9 ! h\se at ! "t2 
or at ! lea/ y\r s]vants 74 ,:oev] did 0
 ! "o :o murd]$ ,/ella ,lam>4  ,& also1 
rejo9$ ,phelps1 t>tly1 0 ! intrud] :o   

broke 9 "h la/ night & ru9$ my w9d[ sa%4
 ,if y _h _h bett] gu>ds y might h      
caught him1 too6  ,are y sure ( y\r     
s]vants8 ,are !y reliable--  ,i nev]    
anticipat$ a murd] & s ,i didn't "q !m z
 to _! poison+ proclivities :5 ,i engag$
 !m4 ,b y "k :]e !y are & y c exam9e !m4
 ,if ,i 7 y1 ,mackay--  ,g5tlem56 ,k5n$y
 ha/5$ to /op ! colloquy be=e x became  
an out-&-out qu>rel4 ,!n he fac$ !      
bank]4  ,mr4 ,phelps1 ,k5n$y's voice 0  
s(t1 coax+1 ,i don't ?9k ,mr4 ,mackay q 
und]/&s4 ,x w\ld be a great s]vice to me
 if y w\ld give ! h\se a quick g5]al    
inspection4 ,y are famili> ) ! ?+s "h1  
en\gh to /ate :e!r !y h be5 di/urb$ to  
any appreciable degree4 ,y see1 we d n  
"k ! int]ior arrangem5ts z !y 7 be=e ?is
 un=tunate happ5+4  ,) r ill grace      
,phelps /alk$ up ! /eps1 acc$+ to       
,k5n$y's reque/1 b disda9+ to answ]4    
,k5n$y turn$ to ,mackay z ! bank]       
disappe>$ out ( e>%ot4 ,t's j to cool   
him (f a bit4 ,i h ev]y?+ ,i came to get
 "r "h4 ,produc+ a pair ( pocket        

scissors1 he cut ! pi]c$ & spott$ bit ( 
silk f ! porti]es1 ru?lessly4 ,x 0      
necess>y v&alism4  ,:at 0 ! poison1 ,mr4
 ,k5n$y8 ,mackay ask$1 9 a l[ voice4  ,i
 ?9k t x 0 closely alli$ to ! cyanide   
gr\ps 9 its rapaci\s activity4  ,b y    
hav5't id5tifi$ x yet8  ,no4 ,s f> ,i   
hav5't ! slighte/ idea ( its true       
nature4 ,x seems to h a p[]ful aff9ity =
 important n]ve c5t]s ( respiration &   
muscul> co-ord9ation1 z well z possess+ 
a t5d5cy to disorganize ! blood4 ,i %\ld
 say t x produces dea? by respiratory   
p>alysis & convulsions4 ,to my m9d x is 
an exact1 ?\gh p]haps less active1      
c\nt]p>t ( hydrocyanic acid4 ,b t is n  
:at x is or ,i w\ld h be5 able to prove 
x be=e ?is4  ,mackay nodd$1 li/5+ 9     
sil5ce4  ,y'll say no?+ ( ?is8 ,k5n$y   
add$4  ,i'll be sil5t1 ( c\rse4  ,heavy 
foot/eps f ! re> m>k$ ! return (        
,phelps1 :o _h cov]$ ! upp] floors1     
desc5d+ by ! back /airs s z to h a look 
at ! kit*54  ,ev]y?+ seems to be all "r1
 he rem>k$1 half graci\sly4  ,k5n$y l$ !

 way to ! front por*4 ,!re he seem$ m   
int]e/$ 9 ! wea!r ?an 9 ! case1 = he    
/udi$ ! sky int5tly4 ,glanc+ up1 ,i saw 
t ! morn+ 0 /ill gray & cl\dy1 ) no     
promise t ! sun w\ld be able to /ruggle 
?r\gh ! ov]hang+ moi/ure4  ,i don't ?9k 
we'll g back to ! city--t is1 all ! way 
91 he rem>k$1 speak+ = bo? ( u4 ,i want 
to g to ! ,manton /udio fir/4 ,?is is no
 day = ext]iors & s !y'll probably be   
work+ !re4 ,he smil$ at ,phelps4 ,i want
 to see if any ( our possible suspects  
look z ?\gh !y _h be5 engag+ 9 nocturnal
 j\rneys4  ,phelps _h be5 rubb+ 8 eyes4 
,he dropp$ 8 h& s quickly t ,i want$ to 
smile2 !n to cov] 8 confusion he        
promptly (f]$ to drive u 94 ,mackay at !
 same "t volunte]$ 8 c>4  ,k5n$y accept$
 ! latt] (f]4 ,z he ?ank$ ! bank] ,i    
wond]$ if any suspicion ( t individual  
lurk$ 9 ! back ( 8 m9d4 ,phelps c]ta9ly 
_h made a v bad impression ^u me ) 8    
antagoni/ic attitude1 ) 8 read9ess to   
trans=m e "q into a p]sonal affront4  ,j
 "o o!r ?+1 ,mr4 ,phelps1 exclaim$      

,k5n$y1 z we 7 ab\t to desc5d to        
,mackay's c>4 ,:y did y wi% ! sc5es 9   
',! ,black ,t]ror' actually tak5 9 y\r  
libr>y8  ,k5n$y _h ask$ ! "q be=e4 ,_h  
he =gott58 ,i glanc$ at ! bank] & read !
 same ?\ght 9 8 expression4  ,i--,i'm   
pr\d ( my libr>y & ,i want$ to see x 9  
pictures1 he repli$1 aft] "s hesitation 
& ) a little rancor4  ,n to save money8 
,x w\ld be no appreciable sav+4  ,i see4
 ,k5n$y 0 tantaliz+ly delib]ate4 ,h[    
long h y held ! controll+ int]e/ 9      
,manton ,pictures1 ,mr4 ,phelps8  ,uh--9
 surprise--ne>ly a ye>4  ,y c\ld h _h   
y\r libr>y photograph$ at any "t1 !n1   
simply by /at+ y\r reque/ z y did 9 ?is 
case4 ,9 t ye> !re h be5 pictures :i*   
w\ld h s]v$ ! purpose z well z ?is2     
bett]1 9 fact1 because 9 ?is picture !  
libr>y seems to be d>k almo/ altoge!r4  
,9 o!r /ories !re probably 7 inf9itely  
bett] *ances = ! exhibition ( ! room4   
,:y did y wait = ',! ,black ,t]ror'8  ,z
 a cle> und]/&+ ( ,k5n$y's "q & all x   
entail$ filt]$ into ! m9d ( ,phelps he  

became s r$ & flu%$ ) ang] t ,i felt    
sure he 0 go+ to explode on ! spot4     
,because ,i didn't ?9k ( x be=e1 he     
sputt]$4  ,y said ! situation 9 !       
picture bus9ess made x necess>y = y to  
/ay 9 t[n4 ,is !re any tr\ble betwe5    
,manton & y\rself8  ,n a bit6  ,0 ,/ella
 ,lam> mak+ any tr\ble1 ( a bus9ess     
nature1 su* z ?reat5+ to quit ,manton   
,pictures8  ,no6 ,phelps' eyes n[ 7     
n>r[$ to slits4  ,are y sure8  ,) a     
great ef=t ,phelps a*iev$ a degree (    
self-control4 ,he =c$ a smile4 ,8 rem>k1
 presum$ to be a pleasantry1 ,i knew    
mask$ ! true /ate ( 8 feel+s4  ,z sure1 
,mr4 ,k5n$y1 he rejo9$1 aw$ by ,k5n$y's 
reputation ev5 9 ! full flood ( 8 ang]1 
z sure z ,i am t ,i'd l to ?r[ y d[n ^! 
/eps6     ,,xiii  ,,m>ilyn ,,lor+   ,!  
magic ( ,manton's "n admitt$ u to !     
/udio c\rty>d1 & at once ,i 0 /ruck by !
 *ange s9ce ! day be=e4 ,n[ ! tank 0 a  
dry1 empty1 %all[ depression ( concrete4
 ,! sc5]y1 all ! p>aph]nalia assembl$ = 
! tak+ ( wat] /uff1 0 gone4 ,except = ! 

p>k$ automobiles 9 "o corn] & a few     
loit]+ figures "h & !re ! big quadrangle
 seem$ absolutely des]t$4  ,9 ! g5]al   
reception room ,k5n$y ask$ = ,mill>d1 b 
0 told he _h n be5 out s9ce ! previ\s   
day4 ,t 0 to be expect$4 ,b ,manton1 x  
develop$1 0 away also4 ,he _h telephon$ 
9 t he w\ld be deta9$ until late        
aft]noon on important bus9ess4 ,i "k t  
,i1 = "o1 wond]$ if x 7 connect$ )      
,=tune ,features4  ,x's j z well1 ,k5n$y
 rem>k$1 aft] conv9c+ ! boy at ! desk x 
0 ,manton's wi% t we h ! run ( ! place4 
,my real object 9 com+ 0 to wat* ! ca/  
at "w4  ,we f\nd our way to ! small     
/udio1 call$ s 9 comp>ison ) ! l>g] "o  
:]e ! huge ballroom & banquet sets 7 be+
 built4 ,9 reality x possess$ a trem5d\s
 floor space4 ,n[ all ! o!r companies _h
 be5 =c$ to make room = ,! ,black ,t]ror
 on acc\nt ( ! em]g5cy creat$ by ! dea? 
( ,/ella ,lam>1 & !re 7 any numb] ( sets
 put up ha/ily = ! retakes ( ! sc5es 9  
:i* ,/ella _h appe>$4 ,! effect ( ! :ole
 ^u a /range behold] 0 weird4 ,x 0 z    

?\gh a cyclone _h swept ?r\gh a t[n & _h
 ga!r$ up & deposit$ slices & corn]s &  
sections ( rooms & hallways & upp]      
*amb]s1 ea* complete ) furniture &      
ornam5ts1 curta9s1 rugs1 & hang+s4      
,except = ! arti/ic h>mony ( ?+s )9 !   
n>r[ l9es ( ! cam]a's view1 no?+ 9 ?is  
great armory-l place _h any app>5t      
relation to any?+ else4 ,"s ( ! sets 7  
light$1 ) actors & te*nical crews at "w4
 ,o!rs 7 d>k1 /&+ ready = use4 ,/ill    
o!rs 7 9 v>y+ /ates ( con/ruction or    
demolition4 ,ris+ above e o!r impression
 0 ! noise4 ,x 0 p&emonium4  ,we saw    
,w]n] at "w 9 a di/ant corn] & /roll$   
ov]4 ,! director 0 bu/l+ ab\t fev]i%ly4 
,i d n d\bt t ! grim necessity ( prep>+ 
! picture = a release date :i* 0 already
 ann\nc$ _h result$ 9 ?is ha/e1 )\t ev5 
a day ( idl5ess 9 respect = ! memory ( !
 dead />1 yet x seem$ cold-blood$ &     
m]c5>y to me4 ,i ?\ght t success 0 n    
des]v$ by an ent]prise s call\s ( human 
life1 s unappreciative ( human ef=t4    
,mo/ ( ! ca/ 7 /&+ ab\t1 wait+4 ,! sc5es

 7 be+ tak5 9 a small room1 fitt$ z an  
(fice or private d51 b furni%$          
luxuri\sly4 ,lat] ,i le>n$ x 0 9 ! home 
( ! millionaire1 ,rems51 close (f !     
libr>y = :i* ! actual room 9 ,phelps's  
home 0 photograph$4  ,%irley & ,gordon1 
,i notic$1 kept z f> ap>t z possible4 ,x
 0 q int5tional & ,i aga9 caught        
bellig]5t glances betwe5 !m4 ,on ! o!r  
h&1 bo? ,enid & ,m>ilyn ,lor+ 7 calm &  
self-possess$4 ,yet betwe5 ^! two ,i    
caught a coolness1 a sort ( arm$ truce1 
9 :i* ea* felt x w\ld be a sign (       
weakness to admit consci\sly ev5 ! ne>  
pres5ce ( ! o!r4  ,w]n] 0 irascible1    
swe>+ r\ndly at ! slighte/ provocation1 
rag+ up & d[n at e little error4  ,come 
n[1 he %\t$1 z we approa*$1 let's get   
?is sc5e n[--numb] "o tw5ty-six4        
,lor+--,gordon6 ,%ake a leg--"h1 ,i'll  
read x aga94 ',d>+ ent]s4 ,he is sc>cely
 seat$ at ! desk1 exam9+ pap]s1 :5      
,zelda ent]s 9 a filmy negligee4 ,d>+   
looks up amaz$ & ,zelda pret5ds great   
agitation4 ,d>+ is n unk9d to h]4 ,he   

tells h] he has n discov]$ ! w z yet4   
,spok5 title3 ,i am sure t ,i c f9d a w 
& t y are provid$ =4 ,cont9u+ sc5e1 ,d>+
 speaks ! above4 ,zelda ?anks him &     
undulates t[>d ! door ) ! well-kn[n     
sway+ walk ( ! vampire4 ,d>+ turns to 8 
pap]s & does n wat* h] fur!r4 ,%e looks 
ov] h] %\ld]1 !n exits1 regi/]+ t %e w  
get him yet4' ,w]n] dropp$ 8 copy ( !   
script4 ,und]/&8 he b>k$4 ,make x fa/   
n[4 ,we %\ldn't d ?is ov]1 b y 7 l\sy   
be=e1 bo? ( y6 ,gordon ext+ui%$ a       
cig>ette & ent]$ ! set ) a sc[l4 ,m>ilyn
 rose & slipp$ out ( a dress+ g[n spott$
 ) make-up & d>k f its long s]vice 9 !  
/udios4 ,und]nea? ! wrapp] ! f9e/ (     
silk5 drap]ies clung to h]1 inf9itely m 
intimate "h 9 actuality & 9 ! bright    
/udio lights ?an x w\ld be ^u ! scre54  
,i notic$ ! slim trimness ( h]          
figure--c\ld n help myself1 9 fact4 ,&  
,i saw also t %e %rank back j ! lea/    
little bit be=e /epp+ to h] place at !  
door4 ,x 0 mode/y1 a g5u9e girli%       
diffid5ce4 ,9 a mom5t ,i revis$ my      

conception ( h]4 ,be=e1 ,i _h n be5 able
 to decide :e!r ,m>ilyn ,lor+ 0 a woman 
) a gift = look+ "y1 or a flapp] ) !    
baffl+ sophi/ication affect$ ^! days by 
s _m ( !m4 ,n[ ,i knew someh[ t %e 0 j  
all girl1 probably 9 h] e>ly tw5ties4 ,!
 brief in/ant ( %yness _h betray$ h]4   
,9 ! sc5e %e *ang$4 ,m>ilyn ,lor+ 0 an  
actress4 ,! mom5t %e caught ! click ( ! 
cam]a's turn !re 0 a h>dness ab\t h]    
m\?1 a fa9t di%one/ t\* to ! play ( h]  
eye1 a %ameless boldness to h] movem5ts 
conceal$ )\t concealm5t4 ,9 ! fla% ( a  
second %e 0 ,m>ilyn no long]1 b ,zelda1 
! w>d ( old ,rems51 an unscrupul\s &    
will+ ally ( ! ,black ,t]ror4  ,w]n]    
damn$ ! am\nt ( footage us$ 9 ! sc5e1 !n
 turn$ to ! next1 ) ,enid & ,gordon1 9 !
 same set1 "o ( ! necess>y retakes = :i*
 ! room _h be5 put up aga94  ,enid _h n 
notic$ me & ,i someh[ fail$ to %ake (f !
 feel+ ( fe> t ! glance ( ,mill>d _h    
giv5 me4 ,fa9t he>t ,i 01 & ! answ] 0 t 
,i _h yet to w9 ! fair lady4 ,to excuse 
myself ,i pret5d$ %e 0 diff]5t "u !     

lights4 ,x 0 really true t1 z ,zelda    
,rems51 ,enid 0 n ! fasc9at+ creature ,i
 _h met 9 ,w]n]'s (fice4 ,!re 0 too mu* 
,masc>o on h] la%es1 too great an am\nt 
( r$ & blue & ev5 bright yell[ 9 h]     
make-up4 ,9 /rik+ contra/ 0 ! little    
color+ us$ by ,/ella ,lam>1 or ev5      
,m>ilyn ,lor+4  ,enid's sc5e 0 a        
close-up 9 :i* ! beg9n+ ( ! love int]e/ 
9 ! /ory 0 %[n4 ,i notic$ t z ! cam]as  
turn$ ^u ! action ! girl in* by in*     
%ift$ h] position1 almo/ imp]ceptibly1  
until %e 0 practically fac+ ! l5s4 ,!   
consequ5ce 0 t ,gordon1 play+ ! lov]1 0 
=c$ to move also 9 ord] to foll[ h]     
face1 & s 0 br\ght ) 8 back t[>d !      
cam]a4 ,x 0 ! pleasant little film trick
 kn[n z tak+ ! picture away f a fell[   
actor4 ,enid 0 a l5s hog4  ,! mom5t !   
sc5e 0 ov] ,gordon ru%$ to ,w]n] to     
prote/4 ,! director1 irritat$ & 9 a     
hurry1 gave him small satisfaction4 ,bo?
 play]s 7 call$ back "u ! lights = !    
next take4 ,z ,w]n]'s back 0 turn$ ,enid
 favor$ ,gordon ) a mis*iev\s1 malici\s 

glance4 ,! lead+ man possess$ v few     
fri5ds1 f :at ,i _h he>d4 ,! new />     
evid5tly did n propose to become "o (   
!m4  ,let's pay our respects1 socially1 
sugge/$ ,k5n$y1 at my elb[4  ,i foll[$ 8
 glance & saw t ,m>ilyn 0 seat$ alone1  
away f ! o!rs1 app>5tly =lorn4 ,z we    
approa*$ %e drew h] dress+ robe ab\t h]1
 smil+4 ,) ! smile h] face light$4 ,x 0 
9 ! r>e mom5ts1 j z h] smile broke &    
spread1 t %e 0 pretty1 /rik+ly s4       
,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 %e exclaim$4 ,& ,mr4  
,jameson1 too6 ,sit d[n & wat* our new  
/>4  ,:at d y ?9k ( h]8 ,k5n$y ask$4    
,enid8 ,m>ilyn's expression became      
quizzical4 ,i ?9k %e's a clev] girl4  ,y
 mean some?+ by t1 don't y8 prompt$     
,k5n$y4  ,%e sob]$4 ,no6 ,hone/ly6 ,= an
 in/ant %e /udi$ him ) a directness (   
gaze :i* ,i w\ld h f\nd disconc]t+4     
,don't tell me--%e teas$1 aga9 all[+ !  
fla% ( a smile to illum9ate h]          
features--don't tell me ! r5[n$ &       
celebrat$ ,pr(essor ,k5n$y suspects     
,enid ,faye ( murd]+ poor ,/ella to get 

h] position4  ,k5n$y laugh$1 turn+ to   
me4 ,!re's ! woman1 he rem>k$4 ,we may  
d$uce & analyze & catalogue all ! facts 
( sci5ce1 b--he spread 8 palms wide1    
expressly--x is z no?+ aga9/ a woman's  
intuition4 ,fac+ ,m>ilyn aga91 he became
 frank4 ,y caught my ?\ght exactly1     
al?\gh x 0 n z bad z all t4 ,i simply   
wond]$ if ,miss ,faye might n h _h      
some?+ to d ) ! case4  ,:y8 ,i realiz$  
n[ t ?is ,miss ,lor+1 9 addition to     
consid]able skill z an actress1 9       
addition to r>e beauty on ! scre51      
possess$ a bra9 & ! p[] to use x4 ,%e   
foll[$ ,k5n$y ) great] ease ?an ,i1 :o  
knew him4  ,:y8 %e repeat$4  ,p]haps x's
 ! intuition ( ! male1 he began1        
hesitat+ly4  ,%e %ook h] head4 ,a man's 
intuition is n dep5dable4 ,y see1 a     
woman gets h] intuition fir/ & fits h]  
facts to x1 :ile a man takes a fact & !n
 has an intuitive bur/ ( inspiration z a
 result4 ,! woman puts h] facts la/ & s 
is n ?r[n out :5 !y're wrong1 z !y      
usually are4 ,b ! man--,i ?9k1 ,pr(essor

 ,k5n$y1 t y h "s facts ab\t ,enid /or$ 
away & t t's :y y put a d\ble mean+ 9 my
 rem>k4 ,am ,i "r8  ,he smil$4 ,i       
surr5d]1 ,miss ,lor+4 ,y are "r4  ,:at  
is ! little fact8 ,p]haps ,i c help y4  
,miss ,faye & ,lawr5ce ,mill>d seem to  
be old fri5ds4  ,oh6 ,maybe y wond] at !
 cont5ts ( ! seal$ te/imony 9 ! case (  
,mill>d ,,vs4 ,mill>d8  ,k5n$y nodd$4   
,d y want to "k :at ,i ?9k8 %e ask$4    
,please4  ,well1 ,i've work$ ) ,/ella   
ne>ly a ye>4 ,x's my op9ion %e divorc$  
,mill>d because he ask$ h] to d s4  ,no1
 no6 ,i balk$ at t1 int]rupt+4 ,he c\ld 
h obta9$ ! divorce himself if he _h     
want$ x4 ,/ella ,lam> & ,manton--  ,t's 
talk6 %e rejo9$1 ) a %[ ( feel+4 ,t's ! 
?+ ,i hate ab\t pictures4 ,x's always   
talk1 talk1 talk6 ,i'm n say+ ,/ella &  
old ,papa ,lloyd1 z we us$ to call him1 
nev] 7 mix$ up ) ea* o!r1 b x's "o ?+ to
 repeat a bit ( gossip & q ano!r ?+ to  
prove x4 ,i'm n "o to help give curr5cy 
to any rumor ( immoral relation%ip until
 ,i'm pretty dog-gone sure x's true4  ,y

 ?9k ,miss ,lam> wasn't z bad z pa9t$8  
ask$ ,k5n$y4  ,i'm sure ( x1 ,mr4       
,k5n$y4 ,i've kn[n ,/ella & ,i've kn[n  
o!rs ( h] type4 ,fundam5tally !y're !   
k9de/1 true/1 bigge/-he>t$ p on e>?4 ,:5
 ,/ella & ,i %>$ a dress+ room ,i (t5   
caught h] giv+ away ?is or t--frequ5tly 
?+s %e ne$$ h]self4 ,i've kn[n h] to    
draw aga9/ h] sal>y to l5d money to "s  
actor or actress :om %e well knew w\ld  
nev] repay h]4 ,/ella's bigge/ fault 0  
an ov]balanc+ quality ( sympa?y4 ,if %e 
ev] did get mix$ up ) anyone y may bet x
 0 because t p]son play$ ^u h] feel+s4  
,h y any !ory z to :o kill$ h]8 ,x 0 a  
direct "q4  ,no6 ,! answ] 0 quick1 b !n 
an amaz+ ?+ happ5$4 ,m>ilyn sudd5ly     
color$1 a flu% :i* ga!r$ up ar\nd h]    
eyes above ! make-up & made me ?9k ( a  
c\ntry girl4 ,%e />t$ to say some?+ else
 & !n bit h] tongue4 ,h] confusion 0    
surpris+1 due1 probably1 to !           
unexpect$ness ( ,k5n$y's qu]y4  ,k5n$y  
seem$ to wi% to sp>e h]4 ,und\bt$ly h]  
prompt negative _h be5 ! tru?4 ,"s      

aft]?\ght _h robb$ h] ( h] self-control4
 ,tell me :y y said ,miss ,faye 0 a     
clev] girl1 he direct$4  ,j because %e  
puts h] ambition above ev]y?+ else &    
works h>d & hone/ly & s9c]ely1 & w get  
!re4 ,t's :at p call be+ clev]4  ,i see4
  ,w]n]'s voice1 ro>+ ?r\gh a megaphone1
 ann\nc$ an int]val = lun*4 ,m>ilyn     
rose1 laugh+ n[1 b /ill 9 a high color1 
consci\s p]haps t %e _h reveal$ "s /rong
 und]curr5t ( feel+4  ,if y'll escort me
 to my dress+ room1 %e said1 coax+ly1 & 
wait until ,i slip into a skirt & wai/1 
,i'll initiate bo? ( y to ,mc,cann's    
across ! /reet4 ,we all eat !re1 play]s1
 /age h&s1 *auffeurs--all b ! />s1 :o h 
ma*9es to take !m else:]e4  ,k5n$y      
glanc$ at me4 ,delight$6 said ,i4  ,we  
hav5't mu* "t1 %e w5t on1 lead+ ! way4  
,w]n]'s on a rampage to-day4  ,he isn't 
usually t way8  ,x's ,/ella's dea?1 ,i  
guess4 ,%e op5$ "o ( ! /eel fire doors4 
,he's always t way1 ?\gh1 :5 he's be5   
out ! night be=e4  ,i fla%$ a look at   
,k5n$y4 ,c\ld ,w]n] h be5 at ,t>ryt[n8  

,9 ! long hallway ( dress+ rooms ,m>ilyn
 /opp$1 grasp+ ! knob ( h] door4 ,x'll  
only take me-- %e began4  ,!n h] face   
w5t :ite z ! concrete ( ! floor1 & t 0  
immaculate4 ,an expression :i* might h  
be5 fe>1 or horror1 or hate--or all     
?ree1 spread ov] h] features1 trans=m+  
h]4  ,foll[+ ! direction ( h] />e1 ,i   
saw ,%irley d[n ! hall1 j z he /opp$ at 
8 own door4 ,he caught h] glance        
sudd5ly1 & 8 own face w5t r$4 ,i ?\ght t
 8 h&s trembl$4  ,m>ilyn :eel$ ab\t1    
lips press$ tightly toge!r4 ,?r[+ op5 ! 
door1 %e da%$ into h] room1 slamm+ x ) a
 bang :i* e*o$ & re-e*o$ up & d[n !     
little hall4 ,%e _h =gott5 our pres5ce  
altoge!r4     ,,xiv  ,,ano!r ,,clue     
,k5n$y look$ at me quizzically4 ,i guess
 we'd bett] n wait = ,miss ,lor+ to     
initiate u to ,mc,cann's1 he rem>k$4    
,we f\nd our way to ! c\rty>d1 & 7 head$
 = ! gate :5 a "y man 9 *auffeur's cap &
 uni=m int]cept$ u4 ,i _h notic$ him />t
 =w>d f "o ( ! c>s p>k$ 9 ! inclosure1 b
 did n recognize him4  ,may ,i speak to 

y a mom5t1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y--alone8     
,mr4 ,jameson "h is associat$ ) me1 is  
assi/+ me 9 ?is case1 if x is some?+    
conc]n+ ! dea? ( ,miss ,lam>4  ,x is1   
sir4 ,i saw y out at ,t>ryt[n ye/]day4  
,mc,groarty is my "n & ,i drove "o ( !  
c>s ! company w5t 94 ,!y 7 po9t+ y out  
to me1 & ,i'd read ab\t y1 & j n[ ,i    
says to myself !re's some?+ ,i ought to 
tell y4  ,t's "r4 ,k5n$y light$ a cig>1 
(f]+ "o to ! *auffeur4 ,i'm n           
sup]natural & (t5 ,i'm able to solve a  
my/]y only ) ! help ( all ^? :o1 l      
myself1 want ju/ice done4  ,yes1 sir6   
,t's my way ( look+ at x4               
,well--,mc,groarty blew a cl\d ( smoke1 
appreciatively--,i d a good bit ( driv+ 
= ^! p1 & ?is morn+ x 0 cl\dy & dull1 no
 good = ext]iors1 b yet sort ( s x might
 cle> at any mom5t1 & s ,i 0 ord]$4 ,i  
br\ght my c> & left x /&+ "h 9 ! y>d    
:ile ,i w5t ov] to ,mc,cann's--! lun*   
room1 y "k--= a cup ( c(fee4 ,:5 ,i came
 back--aga9 ! cig>--!re /ill 0 no?+ do+1
 & s ,i ?\ght--y "k h[ x is--,i ?\ght   

,i'd clean up ! back ( ! old boat1 to   
kill "t1 n say+ x wasn't ne$$4 ,s ,i    
took out ! cocoa mat to beat x & :at d  
,i f9d on ! floor--betwe5 ! mat & ! re> 
seat x 01 ,i guess--b ?is4  ,he h&$     
,k5n$y "s small object :i* gl9t$ 9 !    
light4 ,look+ closely1 ,i saw t x 0 a   
peculi>ly %ap$ little glass tube4  ,an  
ampulla1 ,k5n$y expla9$4 ,x's ! te*nical
 "n ! doctors h = su* a conta9]4  ,x mu/
 h be5 betwe5 ! mat & ! re> seat1 !     
*auffeur repeat$4 ,!n he discov]$ t 8   
cig> 0 out4 ,he /ruck a mat*4  ,k5n$y   
turn$ ! bit ( glass ov] & ov] 9 8 h&1   
exam9+ x c>efully4 ,i felt r fe>ful1    
wond]+ if x might n conta9 "s trace ( ! 
deadly poison :i* _h s quickly kill$    
,/ella ,lam>4 ,i ev5 half expect$ to see
 ,k5n$y f9d "s inf9itesimal jagg$ edge  
or po9t :i* c\ld h inflict$ ! fatal     
scrat*4 ,!n ,i realiz$ t ,mc,groarty _h 
h&l$ ! ?+ ) impunity1 p]haps _h c>ri$ x 
ab\t half a day4  ,k5n$y took 8 sc>f p94
 ,on ! outside ( ! little tube !re 0 no 
trace ( a label or m>k+ ( any sort4 ,all

 ab\t1 on ! inside1 h[ev]1 ! glass 0    
spott$ ) dri$ light-yell[ incru/ations1 
resembl+ cry/als & at fir/ apt to escape
 ev5 ! %>pe/ scrut9y4 ,) ! p9 ,k5n$y    
scal$ (f "o ( ^! & put x "u 8 pocket    
l5s4 ,b he came to no conclusion4 ,r    
puzzl$ & nettl$1 he dropp$ ! t9y bit (  
sub/ance back into ! tube1 !n replac$ 8 
p9 9 8 sc>f1 & /[$ ?is late/ bit (      
possible evid5ce 9 8 pocket c>efully4   
,h[ d y suppose x got 9 ! c>8 he ask$4  
,"s "o mu/ h dropp$ x & x mu/ h roll$ 9 
t space by ! edge ( ! mat1 repli$ !     
*auffeur4 ,!re 0 j room = x1 too6 ,i    
nev] w\ld h notic$ x )\t tak+ up ! mat4 
,x c\ldn't be brok51 by be+ trampl$ on8 
,nope6 ,n a *ance6  ,h[ long c\ld x h   
be5 !re8  ,two or ?ree or f\r days--s9ce
 ,i clean$ up la/4  ,i rememb]$ !       
clev]ness %[n by ! guilty p]son 9 plac+ 
! ne$le 9 ! curta94 ,x seem$ unlikely t 
?is c\ld be an accid5t4 ,isn't x        
possible1 ,i sugge/$1 t ?is is a plant2 
t ! tube 0 put !re delib]ately1 to ?r[ u
 (f ! track8  ,x's q likely1 he admitt$4

 ,on ! o!r h&1 ,walt]1 ! v sm>te/       
crim9al w d "s fooli% little ?+1 en\gh  
to ru9 ! mo/ c>eful plans & prep>ations4
 ,he turn$ to ,mc,groarty4 ,:o rode 9   
y\r c> ye/]day8  ,m9e's ! pr9cipals' c>1
 boa/$ ,mc,groarty4 ,go+ out ,i _h ,miss
 ,lam>1 ,miss ,lor+1 ,mr4 ,gordon1 ,mr4 
,%irley1 & ,mr4 ,w]n]4 ,com+ back ,mr4  
,w]n] 0 ) y1 & ,miss ,lam>--well1 !re 0 
only ,miss ,lor+ & ,mr4 ,gordon & ,mr4  
,%irley4  ,did y notice h[ !y act$8  ,!y
 nev] says a ^w to ea* o!r on all ! trip
 back1 b ,i didn't ?9k x /range aft] :at
 happ5$1 al?\gh usually !y're always    
jok+ & laugh+4  ,y br\ght ! ?ree to !   
/udio "h8  ,yes4 ,!y _h to get out (    
make-up4  ,did y leave ! c> !n8  ,no1 ,i
 hit x "r = ! g>age4  ,7 y away f ! c>  
at ,t>ryt[n8  ,sure6 ,t 0 a long wait4  
,pet]s1 ,manton's *auffeur1 & ,i f\nd a 
c\ple ( horse%oes & we 7 ?r[+ !m mo/ ( !
 "t4  ,h[ long 0 ! ma*9e alone "h 9 !   
y>d ?is morn+8  ,a c\ple ( h\rs1 maybe4 
,i knew ! old boil] 0 safe en\gh1 & t if
 !y want$ me !y'd look ov] 9 ,mc,cann's4

  ,well1 ,k5n$y ext5d$ 8 h&1 ,i ?ank y1 
& ,i won't =get y1 ,mc,groarty4  ,z soon
 z ! *auffeur 0 out ( e>%ot ,i fac$     
,k5n$y r eag]ly1 to =e/all him if he _h 
arriv$ at ! same conclusion z myself4   
,see6 ,x's j z ,i ?\ght ye/]day6  ,h['s 
t1 ,walt]8  ,w]n]6 ,he rode out 9 t     
ma*9e1 b n back4 ,9 ,manton's c> he 0   
worri$ all ! "t4 ,he probably knew he _h
 dropp$ ! tube4 ,!n he hurri$ up ahead (
 u & wip$ ! ne$le-- ,i /opp$1 lamely4   
,k5n$y smil$4 ,see1 y're jump+ at       
conclusions too fa/4 ,y rememb] n[ t we 
decid$ t ! t[el has no?+ directly to d )
 ! poison4 ,9 a way y _c assume t ?is   
ampulla has1 ei!r1 al?\gh ,i myself feel
 sure on t po9t4 ,b 9 any case no "o is 
elim9at$4 ,x is true ,w]n] did n return 
9 ! same automobile4 ,x is also true t  
he _h little opportunity to drop x :ile 
o!rs 7 9 ! c> ) him4 ,:5 ,mc,groarty 0  
away f ! c> anyone c\ld h lo/ x1 or--z y
 sugge/$ a mom5t ago--plant$ x !re      
delib]ately to div]t suspicion4  ,i felt
 ! beg9n+s ( a heada*e f all ^! confus$ 

?reads ( ! my/]y4 ,c't--,isn't !re      
anyone we c say is innoc5t1 at lea/1 ev5
 if we _c beg9 to fa/5 ! guilt ^u       
somebody8 ,i plead$4  ,k5n$y %ook 8     
head4 ,at ?is /age ! "o is z h>d z !    
o!r4 ,i consid] myself lucky to h       
collect$ z mu* mat]ial z ,i h = !       
analysis ( ! poison4 ,he tapp$ 8 pocket 
significantly4  ,yoo-hoo6 ,a frankly    
%rill call 9 a fem99e voice int]rupt$4  
,we bo? turn$1 to see ,m>ilyn ,lor+     
ha/5+ t[>d u4  ,did y ?9k ,i 0 go+ to   
=get y8 %e ask$1 almo/ reproa*fully &   
mu* out ( brea?4 ,let's hurry1 %e add$4 
,?is is roa/ beef day4  ,we />t$ t[>d ! 
gate once m1 ,m>ilyn betwe5 u1 vivaci\s 
& r *>m+4 ,i notic$ t %e made no ref]5ce
 to ! incid5t 9 ! hallway1 ! precipitate
 mann] 9 :i* %e left u & ! v evid5t     
confusion ( ,m]le ,%irley4 ,k5n$y1 too1 
seem$ dispos$ to drop ! matt]1 al?\gh x 
0 obvi\sly significant4 ,= "s reason 8  
m9d 0 else:]e1 s t ! girl 0 ?r[n ^u my  
h&s4  ,x /ruck me t1 aft] all1 %e 0     
attractive4 ,at ?is mom5t ,i f\nd h]    

di/9ctly good-look+4  ,:y d y 'vamp'8 ,i
 ask$1 innoc5tly4 ,y don't seem to me1  
if y'll p>don ! p]sonal rem>k1 at all t 
type4  ,%e laugh$4 ,x's all ! fault ( ! 
public4 ,!y insi/ t ,i vamp4 ,i want to 
play girly-girly p>ts1 b ! public won't 
/& = x2 !y won't come to see ! picture4 
,!y tell ! exhibitor1 & he tells !      
produc]1 & back ,i am at ! vamp+ aga94  
,isn't x funny8 ,%e paus$ a mom5t4 ,take
 ,gordon4 ,doesn't x make y laugh1 :at !
 public ?9k he is--clean-cut1 h]o1 & all
 t sort ( ?+8 ,little d !y "k6  ,all at 
once ,k5n$y /opp$ abruptly4 ,we 7 close 
to ! entrance1 j :]e a sm>t little      
spe$/] ( light blue l9$ ) :ite 0 p>k$ at
 ! edge ( ! n>r[ sidewalk4 ,! sun1 aft] 
a morn+ ( unc]ta9ty1 _h j /ruck ?r\gh ! 
haze1 & x illum9at$ ,m>ilyn's face &    
hair mo/ delightfully z we bo? turn$1   
some:at 9 surprise4  ,i "k y'll nev]    
=give me1 ,miss ,lor+1 ,k5n$y began1 b !
 fact is t j be=e y came out we /umbl$  
into a new bit ( evid5ce 9 ! case & ,i  
believe t ,jameson & ,i w h to hurry 9  

to ! laboratory4 ,mu* z ,i w\ld l to    
lun* ) y1 & p]haps *at "s m dur+        
sc5e-tak+ ?is aft]noon--  ,x seem$ to me
 t h] eyes wid5$ a bit4 ,c]ta9ly !re 0 a
 p]ceptible *ange 9 h] face4 ,x 0       
int]e/1 b x 0 also c]ta9ly m ?an t4 ,i  
felt t %e w\ld h lik$ to p5etrate ! mask
 ( ,k5n$y's expression1 p]haps le>n j   
:at facts & !ories re/$ 9 8 m9d4  ,is   
x-- ,sudd5ly %e smil$1 realiz+ t ,k5n$y 
w\ld reveal only ! little :i* suit$ 8   
purpose4 ,is x some?+ y c tell me8 %e   
f9i%$4  ,he %ook 8 head4 ,8 answ] 0     
tantaliz+1 8 glance se>*+ & )\t         
concealm5t4 ,only ano!r detail conc]n+ !
 *emical analysis ( ! poison4  ,i see6  
,if %e knew ( ! ampulla ! answ] w\ld h  
be5 intelligible to h]4 ,z x 01 h] face 
betray$ no?+4 ,i guess ,i'll hurry on   
ov] alone1 !n1 %e add$4 ,%e ext5d$ a h& 
to ea* ( u4 ,h] grasp 0 w>m & fri5dly & 
frank4 ,s long1 &--& good luck1 =       
,/ella's sake6  ,hello1 folks6  ,! danc+
 bant]+ voice f beh9d u1 ) silv]y cad5ce
 to its laught]1 c\ld belong to no "o b 

,enid ,faye4 ,i grasp$ t x 0 h] c> :i*  
,k5n$y lean$ ^u4 ,i gasp$ a bit z ,i saw
 h] directly at my side1 h] da9ty *amois
 motor+ coat bru%+ my sleeve1 ! sun :i* 
grew 9 /r5g? e mom5t ca/+ mottl$ %ad[s  
^u h] face ?r\gh ! transp>5t brim ( h]  
bobb+ hat1 9 mock+ answ] to ! mir? 9 h] 
eyes4  ,= an in/ant %e gaz$ aft] !      
retreat+ ,m>ilyn4  ,good-by1 ,m>ilyn6   
,,de>1 %e call$1 mega-phon+ h] h&s4  ,! 
o!r girl made no response4 ,laugh+1     
,enid slipp$ a h& "u my arm1 ! firm     
pressure ( h] f+]s ?rill+ me4 ,%e       
address$ ,k5n$y1 h[ev]4  ,d y want a    
ride 9 to ! city1 bo? ( y8  ,k5n$y      
bright5$4 ,t w\ld be f9e6 ,h[ f> are y  
go+8  ,! ,burrage4 ,i h a lun*eon       
engagem5t4 ,t's ,=ty-f\r?4  ,c y drop u 
(f at ! univ]sity8  ,surely6 ,climb 94  
,x's a tight fit1 ?ree 9 ! seat1 b fun4 
,&--fac+ me--,i want ,jamie betwe5 u1   
next to me6  ,z we roll$ out ( ! /udio  
inclosure %e lean$ =w>d on ! :eel to "q 
,k5n$y4  ,:at did ,m>ilyn ,lor+ want8 ,y
 seem$ 9 deep confab6  ,%e volunte]$ to 

initiate u to ,mc,cann's1 across !      
/reet4  ,oh6 ,%e skidd$ ab\t a corn]    
skillfully4 ,&--  ,well1 we bump$ into  
an additional piece ( evid5ce & ,i ?\ght
 ,jameson & ,i ought to hurry 9 to my   
laboratory in/ead4  ,i bet--,enid       
giggl$1 readju/+ h] hat 9 ! breeze--,i  
bet %e want$ to "k :at y'd f\nd1 "r     
away4 ,didn't %e8  ,yes6 ,k5n$y's face 0
 noncommittal1 ,:y d y say t8  ,because 
%e came into my room1 j z we 7 gett+    
ready = "w ?is morn+4 ,p]haps ,i'm      
wrong1 b f ! way %e kept ask+ me        
que/ions ab\t ev]yone f ,manton d[n ,i  
got ! idea %e 0 quizz+ me1 to see h[ mu*
 ,i knew4 ,( c\rse ?is is only my fir/  
day1 b x seems to me t ,m>ilyn is talk+ 
a great deal1 )\t say+ v mu*4 ,i've come
 to ! conclusion %e kn[s a good deal m  
?an %e is tell+ anyone1 & t %e'd l to   
f9d out j h[ mu* ev]yone else kn[s4     
,k5n$y nodd$ almo/ abs5t-m9d$ly1 )\t    
respond+ fur!r4  ,well--,enid spe$$ up a
 bit--n to *ange connections on !       
swit*bo>d1 ,i ?9k ,i'm go+ to l x )     

,manton ,pictures4  ,w !y d ju/ice to   
y\r "w1 ,k5n$y inquir$1 putt+ y 9 a     
p>tially f9i%$ picture 9 ?is way8  ,t's 
:]e ,i'm 9 luck1 real bang-up luck4     
,w]n] has direct$ me be=e & kn[s j      
exactly h[ to h&le me4  ,:at ab\t !     
/ory8 ,t 0 built = ,/ella1 wasn't x8    
,yes1 b !y're *ang+ x "h & !re to fit   
me4 ,l>ry kn[s my "w1 too6 ,t's luck    
aga9 = little ,enid4  ,h[ long h y kn[n 
,mill>d8 ,9 a fla% ,i realiz$ ,k5n$y's  
clev]ness4 ,?is 0 ! fact he _h wi%$ to  
une>?4 ,! "q 0 z natural z c\ld be4 ,he 
_h l$ up to x delib]ately4 ,i 0 sure (  
t4  ,f\r1 ne>ly five ye>s1 %e repli$1   
unsuspici\sly4 ,!n sudd5ly %e bit h]    
lip1 al?\gh h] expression 0 well mask$4 
,t is1 %e add$1 some:at lamely--t is1 9 
a casual way1 l ne>ly ev]yone kn[s ne>ly
 ev]yone else 9 ! film game4  ,oh6      
murmur$ ,k5n$y1 laps+ into sil5ce4      
,,xv  ,i ,,become ,a ,,detective        
,important z x 0 to wat* ,enid &        
,m>ilyn1 ,w]n] & ! re/1 ,k5n$y decid$ t 
x 0 n[ mu* m important to hold to 8     

express$ purpose ( return+ to !         
laboratory ) our trophies ( ! day's     
crime hunt4  ,= p to :om emotion ought  
to be an old /ory 9 _! ev]yday /age     
life1 ,i mu/ say !y feel & %[ pl5ty ( x 
9 real life1 ,i rem>k$1 z ,enid set u   
d[n & drove (f4 ,x does n seem to pall4 
,i don't "k :y ! movie p buy /ories1    
rem>k$ ,craig1 qua9tly4 ,!y don't ne$ to
 d x--!y live !m4  ,:5 we 7 settl$ 9 !  
laboratory once m ,k5n$y plung$ ) r5ew$ 
vigor into ! inve/igation he _h dropp$ 9
 ! morn+ 9 ord] to make ! hurri$ trip to
 ! ,phelps home 9 ,t>ryt[n4  ,i _h hop$ 
he w\ld talk fur!r ( ! probabilities ( !
 connection ( ! v>i\s p ) ! crime1 b he 
_h no comm5t ev5 ^u ! admission ( ,enid 
t %e _h kn[n ,mill>d = a p]iod long     
ant$at+ ! tr\ble ) ,/ella ,lam>4  ,x    
seem$ t1 aft] all1 he 0 q excit$ at !   
discov]y ( ! ampulla & 0 anxi\s to beg9 
! analysis ( its scale-l cont5ts4 ,i 0 n
 sure1 b x /ruck me t ?is might be !    
same sub/ance :i* _h spott$ ! t[el or ! 
porti]es4 ,if t 7 s1 ! f9d+ ( x 9 ?is =m

 _h giv5 him a new & tangible clue to   
its nature1 acc\nt+ = 8 eag]ness4  ,i   
wat*$ 8 elaborate & ?or\gh prep>ations1 
wi%+ ,i c\ld be ( assi/ance1 b kn[+ !   
limitations ( my own *emical &          
bact]iological k4 ,i grasp$1 h[ev]1 t he
 0 conc5trat+ 8 /udy ^u ! spots he _h   
cut f ! porti]es1 9 p>ticul> ! /a9 :]e !
 po9t ( ! ne$le _h be51 & ^u !          
incru/ations on ! inn] surface ( ! tube4
 ,he made solutions ( bo? ( ^! & = "s   
little "t exp]im5t$ ) *emical reactions4
 ,!n he _h rec\rse to sev]al weighty    
te*nical books4 ,?\gh bur/+ ) curiosity1
 ,i d>$ n "q him1 nor di/ract him 9 any 
way4  ,f9ally he turn$ to a cage :]e he 
kept on h&1 always1 a few ( ^? useful   
m>tyrs to sci5ce1 gu9ea pigs4 ,tak+ "o (
 ! little animals & segregat+ him f !   
o!rs1 he prep>$ to inoculate him ) a t9y
 bit ( ! solution made f ! /a9 on !     
piece cut f ! porti]e4  ,at t ,i knew x 
w\ld be a long & tiresome analysis4 ,x  
seem$ a wa/e ( "t to wait idly = ,k5n$y 
to rea* 8 conclusions1 s ,i ca/ ab\t 9  

my m9d = "s sort ( inquiry ( my own :i* 
,i c\ld conduct mean:ile1 p]haps        
collect+ additional facts ab\t ^? we 7  
wat*+ at ! /udio4  ,someh[ ,i c\ld n    
:olly lose my suspicions ( ! director1  
,w]n]2 especially n[ z ,i m>%al$ !      
evid5ce aga9/ him4 ,fir/ ( all he 0 !   
only p]son absolutely 9 control ( !     
movem5ts ( ,/ella ,lam>4 ,if %e did n   
br+ up h] arm aga9/ ! curta9s 9 a mann] 
calculat$ to press ! ne$le aga9/ h] fle%
 x c]ta9ly w\ld n seem out ( ! way = him
 to ask h] to d x ov] aga91 or ev5 = him
 to direct *anges 9 h] position4 ,?is he
 c\ld d ei!r 9 rehe>sal or 9 retakes    
aft] ! sc5e _h actually be5 photograph$4
 ,x 0 n pro(1 ,i knew4 ,practically all 
( !m 7 famili> ) ! action ( ! sc5e1 c\ld
 guess h[ ,w]n] w\ld h&le x4 ,! po9t 0 t
 ! director1 next to ,mill>d1 0 ! mo/   
?or\ghly conv]sant ) ! sc5es 9 ! script1
 _h to figure out ev]y?+ d[n to ! v     
location & angles ( ! cam]a4  ,ano!r    
matt]1 ( c\rse1 0 ! plac+ ( ! ne$le 9 ! 
silk4 ,= t purpose "s "o _h to g to     

,t>ryt[n ahead ( ! o!rs1 or at lea/ _h  
to prec$e ! o!rs into ! liv+ room4 ,(fh&
 ,i 0 compell$ to admit t ?is 0 easie/ =
 ,phelps--,phelps1 ! man :o _h insi/$ t 
! sc5e be tak5 9 8 libr>y4 ,at ! same   
"t1 ,i knew x 0 q possible = ! director 
to h ent]$ ahead ( anyone else1 possible
 = him to h issu$ ord]s to 8 p :i* w\ld 
keep !m out ( ! way = ! brief mom5t he  
ne$$4  ,a ?ird consid]ation 0 ! f9d+ ( !
 ampulla 9 ,mc,groarty's c>4 ,/ella1    
,m>ilyn1 ,jack ,gordon1 ,m]le ,%irley1 &
 ,w]n] _h ridd5 out toge!r4 ,w]n] _h n  
return$4 ,:ile ?is fact did n indicate  
def9itely t he might h dropp$ x1 c\pl$ )
 ! o!r consid]ations x po9t$ ! suspicion
 ( guilt at ! director4  ,!n !re 0 !    
f9d+ ( ! t[el 9 ! wa%room ( ! (fice     
build+ at ! /udio4 ,:ile ,k5n$y n[ said 
x 0 n us$ to wipe ! ne$le1 :ile we n[   
knew t ! ne$le rema9$ 9 ! porti]es f !  
morn+ ( ,/ella's dea? until late t      
night1 yet ,k5n$y affirm$ ! connection (
 ! t[el ) ! crime 9 "s subtle way4 ,x 0 
true t memb]s ( ! ca/ sometimes us$ !   

wa%room1 yet x 0 evid5t t ,manton1      
,mill>d1 & ,w]n]1 :o _h rooms on !      
floor1 7 ! m apt to be conc]n$ 9 !      
attempt to dispose ( x4 ,aga9/ ,manton  
,i c\ld see no real gr\nds = suspicion4 
,9 a g5]al way we _h be5 compell$ to    
elim9ate ,mill>d e>ly 9 our             
inve/igation4 ,aga9 ,i 0 br\ght1 9 ?is  
analysis ( ! my/]y1 to ,w]n]4  ,"o o!r  
po9t rema9$--! id5tity ( ! nocturnal    
visitor to ,t>ryt[n4 ,9 connection ) t  
,i rememb]$ ! rem>k ( ,m>ilyn4 ,w]n] 0  
act+ z he always act$ :5 he 0 out late !
 night be=e1 %e _h said4 ,:ile my !ories
 (f]$ no explanation ( ! second man1 !  
wat*]1 ,i saw--) an inn] feel+ (        
triumph--t ev]y?+ aga9 po9t$ to !       
director4  ,i det]m9$ n to tell my      
conclusion to ,k5n$y1 yet4 ,i did n want
 to di/ract him4 ,besides1 ,i felt he   
w\ld disagree4  ,:at d y ?9k ( ?is1     
,craig8 ,i sugge/$4 ,suppose ,i />t out 
:ile y're busy & try to dig up "s m     
facts ab\t ^! p8  ,excell5t6 0 8 reply4 
,i c't say h[ mu* long] my analysis w   

keep me4 ,by all means d s1 ,walt]4 ,i  
%all be "h1 or1 if n1 ,i'll leave a note
 s y c f9d me4  ,accord+ly1 ,i took up  
my se>*1 det]m9$ to g sl[ly & c>efully1 
n to be misl$ by any promis+ b fallaci\s
 clues4 ,i knew t ,w]n] w\ld be work+ at
 ! /udio1 f all we _h he>d 9 ! morn+4 ,i
 det]m9$ ^u a visit to 8 ap>tm5t 9 8    
abs5ce4  ,f ! telephone book ,i discov]$
 t he liv$ at ! ,:i/l] ,/udios1 n f> f  
,c5tral ,p>k on ! middle ,we/ ,side--a  
new build+1 ,i rememb]$1 inhabit$ almo/ 
entirely by arti/s & writ]s4 ,z ,i      
hurri$ d[n on ! ,subway1 !n turn$ &     
walk$ ea/ t[>d ! ,p>k1 ,i rack$ my bra9 
= an excuse to get 94 ,ent]+ ! l[]      
reception hall1 ,i le>n$ f ! boy t !    
director _h a suite on ! top floor1 high
 en\gh to look ov] ! ro(s ( ! adjo9+    
build+s directly into ! wide expanse (  
gre5 & road1 ( pond & trees beyond4     
,mr4 ,w]n] isn't 91 ?\gh1 ! boy add$1   
d\btfully1 )\t r++ ! ap>tm5t4  ,i "k x1 
,i rejo9$1 ha/ily4 ,i told him ,i'd meet
 him "h ?is aft]noon1 h[ev]4 ,on a *ance

 ,i w5t on1 ) a kn[+ smile1 ,i guess x 0
 pretty late :5 he came 9 la/ night8    
,i'll say s1 gr9n$ ! y\?1 fri5dly all ( 
a sudd54 ,he _h int]pret$ ! rem>k z ,i  
int5d$ he %\ld4 ,he believ$ t ,w]n] & ,i
 _h be5 out toge!r4 ,i rememb]1 he      
volunte]$1 because ,i _h to d an extra  
%ift ( duty la/ night1 worse luck4 ,x   
mu/ h be5 aft] f\r o'clock4 ,i 0 almo/  
asleep :5 ,i he>d ! taxi at ! door4  ,i 
wond] :at company he got ! taxi f8 ,i   
rem>k$1 casually4 ,i tri$ to get "o     
upt[n-- ,i paus$4 ,i didn't want to get 
into a maze ( falsehood f :i* ,i w\ld be
 unable to extricate myself4  ,i don't  
"k1 he repli$4 ,x look$ l "o ( ! ,m>oon 
taxis1 f up at ! ,c5tral ,p>k ,hotel on 
! next block1 b ,i'm n sure4  ,i ?9k ,i 
won't g up/airs yet1 ,i said1 f9ally4   
,!re's ano!r call ,i ought to make4 ,if 
,mr4 ,w]n] comes 91 tell him ,i'll be   
back4  ,i knew v well t ,w]n] w\ld n    
return1 b ,i ?\ght t ! bluff might pave 
! way = gett+ up/airs & into ! ap>tm5t a
 little lat]4 ,mean:ile ,i _h ano!r     

err&4 ,! boy nodd$ a good-by z ,i pass$ 
out ?r\gh ! grill$ iron doors to !      
/reet4 ,less ?an five m9utes aft]w>d ,i 
0 at ! boo? ( ! ,m>oon ,taxi ,company1  
at ! side ( ! ma9 entrance ( ! ,c5tral  
,p>k ,hotel4  ,"h ! />t] prov$ to be a  
loquaci\s individual1 & ,i caught him1  
=tunately1 9 ! sl[e/ "p ( ! aft]noon4   
,remov+ a pipe & pu%+ a batt]$ cap to ! 
back ( a bald head1 he pull$ out ! %eets
 ( ! previ\s day4 ,be=e me 7 record$ all
 ! calls = taxicab s]vice1 ) ! names (  
driv]s1 addresses ( calls1 & de/9ations4
 ,al?\gh ! qu>t]s 9 ! boo? 7 cramp$ &   
close & made villa9\s by ! reek ( !     
man's pipe1 ,i began to scan ! li/s     
eag]ly4  ,x _h be5 a busy night ev5 d[n 
to ! small h\rs ( ! morn+ & ,i _h q a   
job4 ,z ,i came ne>] & ne>] to ! end my 
hopes ebb$1 h[ev]4 ,:5 ,i 0 ?r\gh ,i _h 
fail$ to id5tify a s+le call t might h  
be5 ,w]n]'s4 ,sev]al f>es _h be5 driv5  
to & f ! ,gr& ,c5tral ,/ation1 probably 
! means by :i* he made ! trip to        
,t>ryt[n4 ,9 ea* case ! record _h %[n ! 

,c5tral ,p>k ,hotel 9 ! o!r column1 n ! 
,:i/l] ,/udios4 ,i 0 =c$ to give up ?is 
clue1 & x hurt4 ,i 0 n built = a        
detective1 ,i guess1 = ,i almo/ quit !n 
& !re1 prep>$ to return to ! laboratory 
& ,k5n$y4  ,b ,i rememb]$ my fir/       
int5tion & made my way back to ! ,:i/l] 
,/udios4 ,anyh[1 ,i reflect$1 ,w]n] w\ld
 h>dly h summon$ a c> f a place s ne> 8 
home _h he wi%$ to keep 8 trip a secret4
 ,x 0 m important = me to ga9 access to 
8 qu>t]s4 ,!re x 0 q possible ,i might  
f9d some?+ valuable4 ,i wond]$ if ,i    
w\ld be ju/ifi$ 9 break+ 91 or if ,i    
w\ld succe$ if ,i attempt$ x4  ,?+s     
prov$ easi] ?an ,i expect$4 ,my fir/    
visit unque/ionably _h prep>$ ! way4 ,! 
hallboy took me up 9 ! elevator himself 
)\t telephon+1 took me to ,w]n]'s door1 
rang ! bell1 & spoke to ! color$ valet  
:o op5$ x4 ,z ,i grasp$ ! pres5ce ( !   
s]vant 9 ! little suite ,i 0 glad ,i _h 
n tri$ my h& at =c+ an entrance4 ,i _h q
 anticipat$ an empty ap>tm5t4  ,! d>ky1 
pleasant voic$1 polite1 & well tra9$1   

b[$ me into a little d5 & proce$$ to lay
 out a l>ge box ( cig>ettes on ! table  
beside me1 z well z a humidor well fill$
 ) cig>s ( good quality4 ,i took "o ( ! 
latt]1 accept+ a light & glanc+ ab\t4   
,c]ta9ly ?is 0 9 contra/ ) ,manton's    
ap>tm5t4 ,!re 0 no?+ g>i%1 ornate1 or   
spectacul> "h4 ,ri*ly1 lavi%ly furni%$1 
ev]y?+ 0 9 p]fect ta/e1 reveal+ ! h& (  
an arti/4 ,x might h be5 a bit biz>re1  
reflect+ ! n]v\s temp]am5t ( its own]4  
,ev5 ! s]vant %[$ ! t\* ( 8 ma/]1 hov]+ 
ab\t to make sure ,i 0 com=table1 ev5 to
 br++ a /ack ( ! late/ magaz9es4 ,i hope
 he didn't s5se my ?\ghts1 = ,i curs$   
him inw>dly4 ,i want$ to be alone4      
,ord9>ily ,i w\ld h enjoy$ ?is1 b n[ ,i 
_h become a detective1 & x 0 necess>y to
 rummage ab\t1 & quickly4  ,! sudd5 r++ 
( ! telephone took ! valet out into !   
t9y hall ( ! suite & gave me !          
opportunity ,i wi%$4  ,phelps app>5tly 0
 call+ up to leave "s message = ,w]n]1  
:i* ,i c\ld n get1 z ! valet took x4    
,:at1 ,i wond]$1 0 ,phelps telephon+ "h 

=8 ,:y n at ! /udio8 ,x look$ /range4   
,i lo/ no "t 9 speculation ov] t1 h[ev]4
 ,! mom5t ,i 0 left to myself ,i jump$  
up & ru%$ to a writ+ desk1 a c>v$       
antique :i* _h caught my eye ^u my      
entrance1 :i* ,i _h /udi$ f my place 9 !
 easy *air4 ,x 0 unlock$1 & ,i op5$ x   
)\t compunction4 ,) an al]t e>1 to w>n  
me ! mom5t ! color$ boy hung up1 ,i fir/
 gaz$ r helplessly at a huge pile (     
lit]>y litt]4 ,cle>ly !re 0 no "t to g  
?r\gh all ( t4  ,i gave ! pap]s a       
cursory inspection1 )\t di/urb+ !m1 hop+
 to cat* "s "n or some?+ :i* might prove
 to be a r&om clue1 b ,i 0 less lucky   
?an ,k5n$y _h be5 9 8 casual look at    
,manton's desk ! aft]noon be=e4 ,/ill   
able to he> ! valet at ! telephone1 ,i  
rea*$ d[n & op5$ ! top draw] ( ! desk4  
,"h p]haps ,i might be m =tunate4 ,"o   
glance & my he>t gave a />tl$ leap4     
,!re 9 a comp>tm5t ( ! draw] ,i saw a   
hypod]mic ne$le--9 fact1 two ( !m--& a  
bottle4 ,on ! desk 0 a f\nta9 p5 ink    
dropp]1 a new "o :i* _h nev] be5 us$4 ,i

 rea*$ ov]1 press$ its little bulb1     
uncork$ ! bottle1 ins]t$ ! glass po9t1  
suck$ up "s ( ! cont5ts1 plac$ ! bulb "r
 side up 9 my wai/coat pocket1 & recork$
 ! bottle4 ,next ,i took & pocket$ "o ( 
! two ne$les1 bo? ( :i* 7 alike z f> z  
,i c\ld see4  ,!n ,i he>d a good-by 9 ! 
hall4 ,i clos$ draw] & desk ha/ily4 ,z  
,i caught ! click ( ! receiv] ( !       
telephone on its hook ,i 0 halfway      
across ! floor4 ,be=e ! color$ boy c\ld 
ent] aga9 ,i 0 back 9 my *air1 my head  
lit]ally 9 a :irl4  ,:at a /roke ( good 
=tune6 ,i _h no expectation ( prov+     
,w]n] to be ! guilty man by s simple a  
me?od z ?is1 h[ev]4 ,if he 7 ! slay] ( !
 /> he w\ld be too clev] to leave any?+ 
s incrim9at+ ab\t4 ,i h always qu>rel$ )
 ,poe's !ory 9 ,! ,purlo9$ ,lett]1      
believ+ t ! obvi\s is no place to hide  
any?+ outside ( fiction4 ,:at ,i        
conceiv$1 r1 0 t ,w]n] really 0 a dope  
fi5d4 ,! nature ( ! drug ,k5n$y w\ld    
tell me v easily1 f ! sample4 ,e/abli%+ 
,w]n]'s possession ( ! ne$les 0 ano!r   

po9t 9 my *a9 ( presumptions1 %[+ t he 0
 famili> ) _! use2 & add$ to t 0 !      
psy*ological effect ^u him ( ! habit1 a 
habit responsible 9 _m o!r cases =      
murd]s z skillfully c>ri$ out z t (     
,/ella ,lam>1 (t51 too1 )\t ! slighte/  
%r$ ( real motive4  ,i recall$ ,w]n]'s  
habitually n]v\s mann] & 0 sure n[ t !  
ne$les actually 7 us$ by him4 ,0 x due  
to ! high pressure ( 8 pr(ession8 ,_h t 
con/ant high t5sion =c$ him to f9d      
relief 9 ! mo/ viol5t relaxation8       
,elat$1 ,i 0 tempt$ at fir/ to cr[d my  
luck4 ,i wond]$ if ,i c\ld n discov]    
ano!r ampulla su* z ! *auffeur1         
,mc,groarty1 _h pick$ up 9 8 c>4 ,:5    
,w]n]'s s]vant1 almo/ apologetically1   
expla9$ t ! telephone message 0 f a     
ne>-by %op & t he w\ld h to leave me = a
 matt] ( t5 or fifte5 m9utes1 ,i assur$ 
him t x 0 all "r & t ,i w\ld occupy     
myself ) a magaz9e4 ,! mom5t he 0 out ! 
door ,i sprang to action & began a m9ute
 se>* ( e nook & cranny ( ! rooms4  ,b  
gradually a s5se ( gr[+ fe> &           

trepidation took hold ( me4 ,suppose1   
aft] all1 ,w]n] %\ld return home        
unexpect$ly8 ,! color$ boy did n seem   
surpris$ t ,i %\ld wait1 a slight       
indication t x 0 possible4 ,fur!r1 ,i   
c\ld nev] tell :5 ! d>ky might n return 
himself1 break+ 9 ^u me )\t w>n+ &      
discov]+ me4 ,at ! be/ ,i 0 n a skillful
 inve/igator4 ,i did n "k j :]e to look 
= hidd5 evid5ces ( poison1 nor 0 ,i able
 to "w fa/1 = fe> ( leav+ too tangible  
m>ks ( my actions beh9d me4 ,a great    
p]spiration /ood out on my =ehead4      
,gradually a trembl+ took hold ( my     
limbs & communicat$ itself to my f+]s4  
,aft] all1 x 0 ess5tial t ,w]n] be kept 
9 ignorance ( my suspicions1 grant+ !y 7
 correct4 ,x w\ld be fatal if ,i %\ld   
fright5 him inadv]t5tly1 s t he w\ld    
take to flight4 ,realiz+ my foolh>d9ess1
 ,i return$ to my *air at la/1 pick+ up 
a magaz9e at r&om4 ,i did s n a mom5t   
too soon4 ,a slight s\nd caught my e> & 
,i look$ up to see ! valet already      
halfway into ! room4 ,8 tread 0 s s(t ,i

 nev] w\ld h he>d him4  ,i don't ?9k    
,i'll wait any long]1 ,i rem>k$1 ris+ & 
/ret*+ slightly1 z ?\gh ,i _h be5 seat$ 
all ! "t4 ,i'll r+ up a little lat]2    
p]haps come back aft] ,i get 9 t\* )    
,mr4 ,w]n]4  ,:o %all ,i say 0 "h1 sah8 
! boy ask$1 ) j a trace ( d>ky dialect4 
,above all ,i didn't want to al>m ,w]n]4
 ,i c\ld n repeat ! explanation ,i _h   
all[$ ! att5dant d[n/airs to assume f my
 rem>k1 t ,i 0 a fri5d :o _h be5 out ) !
 director ! night be=e4 ,i %\ld h to    
take a *ance t ,w]n]'s s]vant & !       
hallboy w\ld n comp>e notes1 & t ! latt]
 w\ld say no?+ to ! director ^u 8       
arrival4  ,i'm an old fri5d f ! ,coa/1  
,i expla9$1 ) a %[ ( tak+ ! negro into  
my confid5ce4 ,i want$ to surprise him &
 s--,i slipp$ a half doll> into a will+ 
palm--if y'll say no?+ until ,i've se5  
him--  ,he beam$4 ,yes1 sah6 ,y jus'    
c\nt on ,george1 sah6  ,d[n/airs ,i     
wond]$ if ,i c\ld seal ! tongue ( ! y\? 
:o _h accommodat$ me be=e4 ,!n ,i       
discov]$ t he _h gone (f duty4 ,x w\ld  

be extremely unlikely t he w\ld be ab\t 
until ! foll[+ day4 ,i smil$ & ha/5$ out
 to ! /reet4  ,once 9 ! op5 air aga91 ,i
 realiz$ ! full ext5t ( ! risk ,i _h    
tak54 ,all at once x /ruck me t no am\nt
 ( explanation f ei!r ,k5n$y or myself  
w\ld s]ve to mollify ,w]n] if he 7      
innoc5t & le>n$ ( my visit4 ,i d\bt$1 9 
?is mom5t ( aft]?\ght1 t ,i w\ld escape 
c5sure f ,k5n$y1 :o surely w\ld n want 8
 case jeop>diz$ by precipitate actions  
^u my "p4 ,i began to run1 to get away f
 ! ,:i/l] ,/udios z fa/ z possible4  ,!n
 ,i saw ,i _h gr[n panicky & ,i *eck$   
myself4 ,b ,i hurri$ to ! ,subway & up  
to ! univ]sity aga91 & to ! laboratory1 
eag] to comp>e notes ) ,k5n$y4  ,if ,i 7
 ,alphonse ,dup91 he rem>k$1 calmly1    
grasp+ my excitem5t1 ,i w\ld d$uce t y h
 discov]$ some?+4 ,i w\ld also d$uce t y
 believe x important & t y h no int5tion
 ( )hold+ ! in=mation f me1 :atev] x is4
  ,correct1 ,i answ]$1 gr9n+ 9 spite (  
myself4  ,!n ,i h&$ him ! ne$le1 tell+  
him 9 a few brief words ( my visit to   

,w]n]'s ap>tm5t1 ( ! hallboy's          
confirmation ( a nocturnal trip ( "s    
sort1 ( my se>* ( ! desk & "s o!r p>ts (
 ! suite4 ,i fix$ x s t he won't he> (  
my visit1 at lea/ = "s "t4 ,he won't    
suspect :o x 01 9 any case4  ,k5n$y     
exam9$ ! hypod]mic4  ,n l ! "o us$1 he  
murmur$4  ,i ?\ght t1 ,i expla9$4 ,x    
simply indicates he is a dope fi5d & is 
famili> ) ! use ( a ne$le4 ,"h6 ,i      
produc$ ! ink fill] :i* ,i _h us$ to br+
 a sample ( ! cont5ts ( ! bottle4 ,?is  
seems to be :at he uses4 ,:at is x8     
,k5n$y sniff$1 !n look$ closely at !    
liquid ?r\gh ! glass ( ! tube4 ,x's a   
coca prep>ation1 he expla9$4 ,if ,w]n]  
uses ?is1 he's unque/ionably a regul>   
drug addict4  ,well1 ,i paus$1          
triumphantly1 ! case aga9/ ! *ief       
director ( ,manton ,pictures gr[s /rong]
 all ! "t4  ,n necess>ily1 contradict$  
,k5n$y1 p]haps to draw me out4  ,he's   
famili> ) hypod]mic syr+es1 ,i repeat$4 
,:i* doesn't prove t no "o else w\ld use
 "o4  ,anyh[1 he 0 out until f\r ,a4,m4 

la/ night & "s "o broke into ,phelps's  
h\se to--  ,y c't e/abli% ! fact t he   
w5t out !re4 ,!re are pl5ty ( o!r places
 he c\ld h be5 until f\r 9 ! morn+4  ,b 
,i c assume--  ,if y are go+ to assume  
any?+1 ,walt]1 :y n assume he 0 ! second
 man1 ! man :o wat*$ ! actual intrud]8  
,i turn$ away1 despair+ ( my ability to 
conv9ce ,k5n$y4 ,z a matt] ( fact ,i _h 
=gott5 ! o!r pr[l] at ,t>ryt[n4  ,!n ,i 
notic$ t ! "o gu9ea pig 9 ! sep>ate cage
 0 dead4 ,9 an in/ant ,i 0 all curiosity
 to "k ! results ( ,k5n$y's             
inve/igations4  ,did y make any         
progress8 ,i ask$4  ,yes6 ,n[ ,i notic$ 
= ! fir/ "t t he 0 9 f9e humor4 ,i _h q 
f9i%$ ! fir/ /age ( my analysis :5 y    
came 94  ,!n :at 0 x8 ,:at 0 ! poison t 
kill$ ,/ella ,lam>8 ,i glanc$ at ! /iff1
 prone figure ( ! little animal4  ,k5n$y
 cle>$ 8 ?roat4 ,well1 he repli$1 ,i    
began ! /udy ) ! discov]y ,i made1 :i*  
,i told y1 t /range prote9s 7 pres5t4   
,he pick$ up ! ampulla & reg>d$ x       
?\ghtfully4 ,!n he f+]$ ! bit ( silk cut

 f ! porti]es4 ,x is a poison m deadly1 
m subtle1 ?an any ev] concoct$ by man1  
,walt]4  ,yes8 ,i 0 pa9fully eag]4  ,x  
is snake v5om6     ,,xvi  ,,enid        
,,assi/s   ,a poison m subtle ?an any   
concoct$ by man6 repeat$ ,k5n$y4  ,x 0 a
 />tl+ decl>ation & left me q spee*less 
= ! mom5t4  ,we "k next to no?+ ( !     
composition ( ! prote9 bodies 9 ! snake 
v5oms :i* h su* t]rific & quick         
physiological effects on man1 ,k5n$y w5t
 on4 ,!y h be5 /udi$1 x is true1 & /udi$
 a great deal1 b we _c say t !re are any
 adequate te/s by :i* ! pres5ce ( ^!    
prote9s c be recogniz$4  ,h[ev]1 ev]y?+ 
po9ts to ! conclusion n[ t x 0 snake    
v5om1 & my physiological te/s on ! gu9ea
 pig seem to confirm x4 ,i see no reason
 n[ to d\bt t x 0 snake v5om4 ,! fact ( 
! matt] is t ! snake v5oms are ab\t !   
safe/ ( poisons = ! crim9al to use1 = ! 
reason ( ! difficulty !y give 9 any     
*emical analysis4 ,t is only ano!r pro( 
( ! diabolical clev]ness ( our guilty   
p]son1 :oev] x may be4  ,lat] ,i'll     

id5tify ! p>ticul> k9d ( v5om us$4 ,j n[
 ,i feel x is m important to discov] !  
actual motive = ! crime4 ,9 ! morn+ ,i h
 a plan :i* may save me fur!r "w "h 9 ! 
laboratory1 b = to-night ,i feel ,i h   
e>n$ a re/ &--a smile--,i %all re/ by   
se>*+ out ! motives ( ^! temp]am5tal    
movie folk a little m4 ,z he spoke he   
slipp$ out ( 8 acid-/a9$ smock4  ,:at d 
y mean8 ,z (t51 he r baffl$ me4  ,x's   
ne>ly d9n] "t & we're go+ out toge!r1   
,walt]1 d[n to ,jacques'4  ,:y          
,jacques'8  ,because ,i phon$ y\r fri5d 
,belle ,balcom & %e in=m$ me t t 0 !    
place :]e we w\ld be apt to f9d ! elite 
( ! film _w d9+4  ,i acquiesc$1 ( c\rse4
 ,we hurri$ to ! ap>tm5t fir/ = a few   
necess>y *anges & prep>ations1 !n we    
/>t$ = ! ,times ,squ>e section 9 a taxi4
  ,i nev] he>d ( ! use ( snake v5om     
be=e1 ,i rem>k$1 settl+ back 9 !        
cu%ions--t is1 delib]ately1 by a        
crim9al1 to poison anyone4  ,!re are    
cases1 repli$ ,craig1 abs5tly4  ,j h[   
does ! v5om act8  ,i believe x is       

g5]ally accept$ t !re are two ag5ts     
pres5t 9 ! secretion4 ,"o is a peptone &
 ! o!r a globul94 ,"o is neurotoxic1 !  
o!r hemolytic4 ,n only is ! g5]al n]v\s 
sy/em attack$ in/antly1 b !             
coagulability ( ! blood is de/roy$4 ,"o 
ag5t 9 ! v5om attacks ! n]ve cells2 !   
o!r de/roys ! r$ corpuscles4  ,y        
suspect$ some?+ ( ?is k9d1 !n1 :5 y fir/
 exam9$ ,/ella ,lam>8  ,exactly6 ,y see1
 ! victim ( a snake bite (t5 is unable  
to move or speak4 ,doctor ,blake obs]v$ 
t 9 ! case ( ! /rick5 />4 ,h] n]ves 7   
affect$1 result+ 9 p>alysis ( ! muscles 
( ! he>t & lungs & giv+ u "s symptoms ( 
suffocation4 ,!n ! blood1 z a result ( !
 attack ( ! v5om1 is always left d>k &  
liquid4 ,t1 too1 ,i obs]v$ 9 ! sample   
s5t me f ,t>ryt[n4  ,! snake1 ,k5n$y    
cont9u$1 adm9i/]s ! poison by fangs m   
delicate ?an any hypod]mic4 ,nature's   
app>atus is m precise ?an ! f9e/        
appliances devis$ = ! use ( a surgeon by
 our in/rum5t mak]s4 ,! fangs are l     
ne$les ) obliquely cut po9ts & slit-l   

outlets4 ,! poison gl&s correspond to ! 
bulb ( a syr+e4 ,!y are1 9 reality1     
highly modifi$ saliv>y gl&s4 ,f !m1 :5 !
 s]p5t /rikes1 is eject$ a pale         
/raw-color$ half-oleag9\s fluid4 ,y     
might swall[ x ) impunity4 ,b once 9 !  
blood1 ?r\gh a cut or w\nd1 x is deadly4
  ,!re c\ld be no snake 9 ?is case1 ,i  
rem>k$4 ,! fangs ( a s]p5t make two     
punctures1 don't !y2 :ile "h !re 0 j !  
"o scrat*--  ,( c\rse !re 7 no fangs :5 
! de$ 0 actually done1 he rejo9$1       
impati5tly4 ,we've trac$ ev]y?+ to !    
ne$le 9 ! porti]es & x is my belief t x 
0 "p ( an all-glass hypod]mic ) a       
plat9um-iridium po9t4 ,x c\ld h>dly h   
be5 any?+ l ! co>s] syr+e us$ by ,w]n]1 
nor d ,i ?9k x possible t ! po9t ( an   
ord9>y ne$le w\ld hold suffici5t v5om1  
s9ce x w\ld dry & =m a coat+ l !        
incru/ation on ! inside ( ! ampulla     
,mc,groarty f\nd4  ,t 0 ! v5om8 ,i ask$4
  ,yes1 ,i f\nd x 9 ! ampulla & 9 ! /a9 
on ! porti]e :]e ! ne$le _h pi]c$ ?r\gh4
  ,! t[el1 ?\gh--  ,is some?+ else4     

,fir/ ?+ 9 ! morn+ we'll foll[ t up1 z  
,i promis$ y4 ,mean:ile let's conc5trate
 on motives4  ,a long l9e ( private c>s 
& taxicabs outside ,jacques' te/ifi$ to 
! popul>ity ( ! re/aurant4 ,at ! door   
/ood a huge1 bulk+ negro respl5d5t 9 !  
gl>+ f9]y ( 8 uni=m4 ,x seem$ to me t p 
lit]ally 7 ?rong+ into ! place1 = x 0   
clev]ly adv]tis$ z a c5t] ( night life4 
,inside1 ! fam\s d>ky jazz b& 0 9 full  
sw+4 ,!re 0 lilt & rhy?m to ! melody    
produc$ by ! gr9n+ blacks1 & n a free   
arm or foot or %\ld] or head ( any ( !m 
b did n sway 9 "t to _! syncopat$ music4
  ,we 7 %[n to a table on a sort (      
gall]y or mezzan9e floor :i* ext5d$     
ar\nd ?ree sides ( ! int]ior4 ,bel[1 9 !
 c5t]1 0 ! space = danc+1 surr\nd$ by   
gr\ps & pairs ( d9]s4 ,/airs l$ to !    
balcony on bo? sides1 z ?\gh ! managem5t
 expect$ none ( _! gue/s to resi/ ! lure
 ( ! dance betwe5 c\rses4 ,! b&1 ,i     
notic$1 0 at ! f>!r end1 on an elevat$  
dais1 s t ! contortions ( ! v>i\s play]s
 c\ld be se5 above ! heads ( ^? on !    

floor4  ,we 7 at ! rail s t we comm&$ a 
view ( ! entire place1 a location ,i    
guess$ _h be5 maneuv]$ by ,k5n$y ) a ^w 
to ! head wait]4 ,! only tables         
invisible to u 7 ^? directly b5ea?1 b x 
w\ld be a simple matt] to cross ar\nd   
dur+ any dance numb] to view !m4  ,z we 
took our seats ! lights 7 dimm$ sudd5ly4
 ,i realiz$ t we _h arriv$ 9 ! mid/ ( ! 
cab>et & t x 0 ! turn ( "o ( ! p]=m]s4  
,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 seem$ to enjoy !         
ent]ta9m5t1 an example ( 8 ability to   
ga9 recreation :5ev] & h[ev] he wi%$1 to
 f9d relaxation "u ! odde/ or mo/ casual
 circum/ances1 out ( any?+ f p pass+ on 
! /reet to an impromptu conc]t ( a /reet
 b&4 ,9 scanty g>m5ts1 9 ! gl>e ( a     
multi-color$ spotlight1 ! girl danc$ a  
hybrid ( e dance f ! e>lie/ ,grecian    
bac*anal to ! late/ alleg$ ,apa*e       
importation f ,p>is4  ,i h (t5 wond]$ at
 ,jacques' & places ( ! sort4 ,!        
int]m+l+ ( eat+ & dr9k+ & danc+ 0       
curi\s4 ,:at possible be>+ ?is          
t]psi*orean mon/rosity might h ^u !     

ga/ronomic incl9ations ( ! audi5ce x    
w\ld h be5 difficult to fa?om4  ,!      
lights fla%$ bright aga9 & ,k5n$y gave  
our ord]4 ,mean:ile ,i glanc$ ab\t at ! 
p bel[ u4 ,!re 0 no "o 9 sight ,i knew  
until ,i lean$ well ov] ! rail1 b ^u do+
 t ,i felt little *ills ( excitem5t run 
f ! top to ! bottom ( my sp9e1 = ,i     
discov]$ 9 a v prom95t situation at ! v 
edge ( ! dance floor a p>ty ( f\r1 ( :om
 ?ree v mu* conc]n$ u4 ,lloyd ,manton1  
back to ! poli%$ space beh9d him1 0     
unmi/akable 9 ev5+ clo!s4 ,^! bun*$ at 8
 neck & reveal$ 8 habitual /oop z       
imp>tially z 8 bus9ess suits4 ,across f 
him1 l\ng+ ^u ! table likewise1 b m     
immaculately & skillfully tailor$1 0    
,lawr5ce ,mill>d4 ,! writ]1 ,i notic$1  
fl\ri%$ 8 cig>ette hold]1 fully a foot 9
 l5g?1 & emphasiz$ 8 rem>ks to ! girl on
 8 "r ) a r *>act]i/ic ge/ure made ) !  
second f+] ( 8 left h&4 ,! girl 0 ,enid1
 q mi/ress ( h]self 9 a g[n little m ?an
 no g[n2 & ! rem>ks 7 obvi\sly          
confid5tial4 ,! o!r girl1 engross$ 9    

,manton1 seem$ a dang]\sly y\?ful &     
self-consci\s "y lady4 ,h] hair flam$   
,titian r$ & h] neck1 ( :i* %e display$ 
n half z mu* z ,enid1 gave h] mu*       
conc]n4  ,k5n$y6 ,look6 ,i rea*$ ov] to 
attract 8 att5tion4  ,:o's ! second     
girl1 ,i wond]8 ,he became z int]e/$ z  
,i 04  ,) a blatant fl\ri% ( saxophone &
 cornet & traps ! b& began a jazzy      
fox-trot4 ,in/antly !re 0 a ru% f !     
tables = ! floor4 ,enid jump$ to h]     
feet1 mov+ h] b>e %\ld]s 9 ! rhy?m ( !  
music4 ,!n ,mill>d took firm hold ( h] &
 !y wove _! way into ! cru%4 ,x seem$ to
 me t ! little /> 0 ! v inc>nation ( !  
dance4 ,i envi$ h] p>tn] m ?an ,i d>$   
admit to myself4  ,manton & 8 companion 
rose also1 b m leisurely4 ,on h] feet ! 
girl did n seem s "y1 al?\gh ! second   
impression may h be5 ! result ( ! l5g? (
 h] skirt & ! long slim1 l9es ( h] g[n4 
,we wat*$ bo? c\ples ?r\gh ! numb]1 !n  
gave our att5tion to ! food we _h ord]$4
 ,ano!r dance1 a modifi$ waltz1 reveal$ 
,enid 9 ! arms ( ,manton4 ,i tri$ to    

det]m9e f h] actions if %e felt any     
pref]5ce = ! produc]1 or = ,mill>d :5   
aga9 %e took ! floor ) him4 ,x 0 an idle
 ef=t1 ( c\rse4 ,! p surg$ out p]haps   
?ree or f\r times :ile we 7 at our meal4
 ,ea* "t ! p>ty bel[ jump$ up 9 response
 to ! music4 ,at our cig>s1 f9ally1 ,i  
took to obs]v+ ! o!r d9]s1 wond]+ :at we
 _h ga9$ by com+ "h4  ,sudd5ly ,i       
realiz$ t ,k5n$y 0 ris+ to greet "s "o  
approa*+ our table4 ,turn+1 ris+ also1  
,i w5t ?r\gh all ! mis]ies ( ! ba%ful   
lov]4 ,x 0 ,enid h]self4  ,i caught     
sight ( y look+ ov] ! rail :ile ,i 0    
danc+1 %e told ,k5n$y1 accept+ a *air   
pull$ ar\nd by ! wait]4 ,i knew y saw   
me4 ,also ,i glanc$ up & f\nd t y 7     
p]fectly well aw>e ( ! location ( our   
table4 ,s--engag+ly--unsociable         
creature6 ,:y didn't y come d[n & say   
',hello6' or ask me = a dance8  ,p]haps 
,i int5d$ to a little lat]4  ,yes6 %e   
exclaim$1 9 mock]y4 ,y see1 s9ce ,mecca 
won't g to ! pilgrim1 ! pilgrim has to  
come to ,mecca4  ,did y ev] he> (       

,mohamm$ & ! m\nta91 ,miss ,faye8 ,k5n$y
 ask$4  ,( c\rse6 ,t's ! regul>         
expression4 ,b ,i agree ) ,b>num4 ,z he 
said1 "s p c be orig9al "s ( ! "t & "s p
 c be orig9al all ( ! "t1 & ,i propose  
to be orig9al always1 l a baby )        
molasses4  ,k5n$y laugh$1 = inde$ %e 0  
irresi/ible4 ,!n %e turn$ to me1 plac+  
"o ( h] w>m little h&s ^u m9e4  ,&      
,jamie6 %e purr$4 ,h y =gott5 little    
,enid altoge!r8 ,won't--won't ,,y come  
d[n & dance8  ,i--,i c't6 ,i explod$1 9 
agony4 ,i don't "k h[6 ,& ,i ?\ght t ,i 
w\ld nev] d>e tru/ myself ) h] gli/5+   
%\ld]s clasp$ close to me1 ) h] slim b>e
 arm plac$ ar\nd my neck z ,i _h wat*$ x
 slip ab\t ! coll> ( ,mill>d4  ,n[ t !  
pilgrim is at ,mecca-- ,k5n$y sugge/$1  
int]rupt+ cruelly1 z ,i ?\ght4  ,oh6 ,9 
an in/ant ,i s5s$ t ,i 0 =gott51 & ,i 0 
hurt4 ,!re's some?+ :i* came out ?is    
aft]noon at ! /udio1 %e began1 & ,i     
wond] if y "k4 ,l>ry--t's ,mr4          
,mill>d--assures me x is true1 &--& ,i  
?9k y ought to he> ab\t x4 ,i--,i want  

to assi/ all ,i c 9 solv+ ! my/]y (     
,/ella ,lam>'s dea?1 ev5 ?\gh ,/ella's  
un=tunate end has meant my opportunity4 
,:at is x1 ,miss ,faye8 ,k5n$y 0 /udy+  
h]4  ,x's ab\t ,jack ,gordon4 ,he's be5 
try+ to hold up ! company = fifte5      
hundr$ a week1 :i* w\ld d\ble 8         
sal>y--p]haps y've he>d t8  ,k5n$y      
nodd$1 al?\gh x 0 news to him4 ,i've be5
 ?9k+ ab\t ,gordon1 he murmur$4         
,anyway1 %e w5t on1 x's gone ar\nd t    
he's desp]ately 9 ne$ ( money & t t is  
:y he's s insi/5t ^u ! increase4 ,x     
seems he owes ev]yone4 ,9 p>ticul> he   
owes ,phelps "s huge sums & old ,phelps 
is on 8 tail1 holl]+ & rais+ ,n$4       
,phelps1 y "k1 has uses = money himself 
j n[4 ,y _h he>d8  ,aga9 ,k5n$y evad$ a 
direct answ]4 ,money is fe>fully tight1 
( c\rse1 he rem>k$1 enc\rag+ h] to      
cont9ue4  ,yes1 %e repeat$1 ,phelps is  
t]ribly h>d up & aft] ,gordon4 ,& t's n 
all ab\t our h&some lead+ man1 ,mr4     
,k5n$y4 ,%e lean$ =w>d4 ,a c]ta9        
int5sity crept into h] voice4 ,%e began 

to toy ) 8 sleeve ) ! sl5d] f+]s ( "o   
h&1 z ?\gh 9 t mann] to compel 8 great] 
att5tion4 ,y "k ,/ella ,lam> really 0 9 
love ) ,jack ,gordon4 ,9 fact %e 0 daffy
 ov] him4 ,& n[ ,i've f\nd out t he 0   
borr[+ money f h]1 0 tak+ ne>ly e c5t %e
 e>n$ to s9k 9 8 speculations4 ,d y get 
t8 ,enid's eyes snapp$4  ,mo/ c]ta9ly ,i
 und]/ood4 ,i knew well ! type ( ,/ella4
 ,%e _h made _m m5 give up to h] motor  
c>s1 exp5sive furs1 jewelry1 all mann] (
 pres5ts4 ,b 9 ! end %e _h f\nd "o man  
to :om %e 9 turn 0 will+ to yield all4  
,b :at ( him8  ,9 ! la/ few weeks1 !y   
tell me1 poor ,/ella dispos$ ( _m ( h]  
h&some pres5ts f m5 l ,manton & ,phelps 
& o!rs1 all to get money to give to him4
 ,at ! end %e ev5 rais$ money on h]     
jewelry4 ,i--,i ?9k y'll f9d x all 9    
pawn n[1 if y'll inve/igate4 ,i don't   
d\bt b t poor ,/ella di$ )\t a p5ny to  
h] "n4  ,i 0 s surpris$ at ?is in=mation
 t ,i fail$ to /udy ,k5n$y's face4 ,i 0 
completely jolt$ f my own rapt          
contemplation ( ! v s(t curves ( ,enid's

 back4 ,= "h 0 a motive at la/6 ,gordon 
0 a possible suspect ,i _h fail$ to take
 ev5 halfway s]i\sly4 ,yet ! lead+ man 0
 desp]ately press$ = money1 _h _h a     
disgraceful fight ) ,phelps z we already
 knew2 & n only ow$ huge sums to 8      
fiancee z ,enid n[ expla9$1 b _h qu>rel$
 ) h] j prior to h] dea?1 accord+ to 8  
own admission 9 ! inve/igation at       
,t>ryt[n4  ,sudd5ly ! music /ruck up    
once m4 ,enid rose1 adju/+ ! /raps ( h] 
g[n4  ,!re6 %e exclaim$1 smil+ abruptly4
 ,i ?\ght y ought to "k t1 ?\gh ,i hate 
to p$dle gossip4 ,n[ ,i mu/ hurry back4 
,i've be5 away long en\gh4 ,b come d[n  
lat] & dance4  ,%e swept (f )\t fur!r   
=mality4 ,an in/ant aft]w>d we saw h] 9 
! clasp ( ,mill>d once aga94 ,we wat*$  
dur+ ! numb] & encore2 !n ,k5n$y call$ =
 ! *eck4  ,let's g up to ! ap>tm5t1 he  
sugge/$4 ,i'd l to talk "s ( ^! ?+s out 
) y4 ,x w help me cl>ify my own         
impressions4  ,und]nea? ! balcony ,i    
notic$ ,k5n$y turn = a la/ glance at    
,manton's p>ty4 ,i paus$ to look1 also4 

,enid 0 lean+ =w>d1 talk+ to ,mill>d    
e>ne/ly1 emphasiz+ :at %e _h to say )   
*>act]i/ic movem5ts ( h] head4  ,%e's   
pump+ ,mill>d = m in=mation ab\t ,/ella 
,lam>1 ,i rem>k$4  ,k5n$y _h no comm5t4 
,,xvii  ,,an ,,appeal   ,we /roll$ up   
,broadway1 resi/+ ! attraction ( a g>i% 
new motion-picture palace at :i*        
,manton's previ\s release ) ,/ella ,lam>
 0 n[ %[+ to capacity--mu* to ! delight 
( ! exhibitor :o greatly complim5t$     
himself on 8 good =tune 9 be+ able to   
take advantage ( ! newspap] s5sation ov]
 ! affair4  ,on we walk$1 ,k5n$y mo/ly 9
 sil5t d$uction1 ,i knew1 until we came 
to ! upp] regions ( ! great ?or\ghf>e1  
turn$ (f1 & head$ t[>d our ap>tm5t on ! 
,heights1 n f> f ! univ]sity4  ,we _h   
sc>cely settl$ ourselves = a quiet h\r 9
 our qu>t]s :5 ! telephone rang4 ,i     
answ]$4 ,to my amazem5t ,i f\nd t x 0   
,m>ilyn ,lor+4  ,is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y 98 
%e ask$4  ,yes1 ,miss ,lor+4 ,j a--     
,nev] m9d call+ him to ! phone1 ,mr4    
,jameson4 ,i've be5 try+ to f9d him all 

ev5+4 ,he 0 n at ! laboratory1 al?\gh ,i
 wait$ ov] an h\r4 ,j tell him t !re's  
some?+ ,i am v anxi\s to consult him    
ab\t4 ,ask him if x w be all "r = me to 
run up to see him j a few m9utes4  ,i   
expla9$ to ,k5n$y4  ,let h] come along1 
he said1 z surpris$ z ,i 04 ,!n he add$1
 humor\sly1 ,i seem to be fa!r confessor
 to-night4  ,aft] s9k+ back 9 my seat 9 
com=t once m ,i obs]v$ a quiet elation 9
 ,k5n$y's mann]4 ,all at once x /ruck me
 :at he 0 do+4 ,! multitude (           
consid]ations 9 ?is case1 ! _m cross    
leads to be foll[$1 _h confus$ me4 ,b n[
 ,i realiz$ t1 aft] all1 ?is 0 only !   
approv$ ,k5n$y me?od1 ! mode ( proc$ure 
:i* _h nev] fail$ to produce results =  
him4 ,)\t all[+ himself to be di/urb$ by
 ! great numb] ( p conc]n$1 he _h calmly
 />t$ to pit !m "o aga9/ ! o!r1 enc\rag+
 ea* to talk ab\t ! re/1 mak+ a %[ ( 8  
app>5t inaction & lack ( ha/e s t !y1 9 
turn1 w\ld %ake (f ! excitem5t          
imm$iately foll[+ ! dea? ( ! girl &     
!reby reveal _! normal selves to 8 ke5  

obs]vation4  ,n five m9utes pass$ be=e  
,m>ilyn 0 ann\nc$4 ,evid5tly %e _h be5  
seek+ u eag]ly1 = %e _h probably        
telephon$ f a ne>-by pay /ation4  ,mr4  
,k5n$y1 %e began1 ,i am go+ to f9d ?is v
 h>d to say4  ,really1 he assur$ h]1 !re
 is no reason :y y %\ld n repose y\r    
confid5ce 9 me4 ,my only int]e/ is to   
solve ! my/]y & to see t ju/ice is      
satisfi$4 ,beyond t no?+ w\ld give me   
great] happ9ess ?an to be ( s]vice to y4
  ,x's--x's ab\t ,m]le ,%irley-- %e     
/>t$1 bravely4 ,!n all at once %e broke 
d[n4 ,! /ra9 ( two days _h be5 too mu* =
 h]4  ,k5n$y light$ a fre% cig>1 realiz+
 t he c\ld be/ aid h] to recov] h]      
composure by mak+ no ef=t to d s4 ,=    
sev]al mom5ts %e sobb$ sil5tly1 a       
h&k]*ief at h] eyes4 ,!n %e /raight5$1 )
 a half smile1 dabb+ at ! drops (       
moi/ure rema9+4 ,) h] wet eyes & flu%$  
*eeks %e 0 reveal$ to me aga9 z a v     
g5u9e girl1 :olly unspoil$ by h] outw>d 
mask ( sophi/ication4 ,fur!rmore1 at ?is
 in/ant %e 0 glori\sly pretty4          

,aga9--:y d y play vampire roles1 ,miss 
,lor+8 ,i ask$1 z quickly z ! ?\ght     
fla%$ to me4 ,i ?9k y'd be an ideal     
+5ue6  ,ab\t a ?\s& p h told me t1 %e   
rejo9$4 ,z %e repli$ h] smile took full 
possession ( h] features4 ,my idiotic   
repetition1 entirely out ( place1 _h    
s]v$ to re/ore h] self-control to h]4   
,no1 ! public won't /& = x4 ,!y've be5  
tra9$ to "k me z a vamp1 & a vamp ,i    
rema94  ,fac+ ,k5n$y1 %e sob]$4 ,m]le   
,%irley & ,i 7 engag$1 %e w5t on4 ,t y  
"k4 ,!n poor ,/ella made a fool ( him4  
,%e didn't mean any h>m1 any real h>m1 b
 ,i don't ?9k %e knew h[ deep he feels  
or j :at a fi]y temp] he has4 ,f9ally he
 f\nd out t %e 0 only play+ ) him4 ,he 0
 p]fectly t]rible4 ,at fir/ ,i ?\ght he 
_h kill$ h] 9 a bur/ ( passion4 ,i      
really ?\ght t4  ,yes8 ,k5n$y 0 int]e/$4
 ,he ne$$ no pret5se4  ,:5 ,i ask$ him  
po9t blank he said he didn't4 ,a v      
wond]ful light came into ,m>ilyn ,lor+'s
 eyes at ?is in/ant4 ,:atev] else he    
w\ld d1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 he w\ldn't lie

 to me2 t ,i "k4 ,he w\ld tell me ! tru?
 because he kn[s ,i w\ld %ield him1 no  
matt] :at ! co/4  ,y simply want to     
assure me ( 8 innoc5ce8 sugge/$ ,k5n$y4 
,no6 ,!re 0 a t\* ( scorn to ! little   
negative4 ,y don't believe him guilty2 y
 didn't ev5 :5 ,i did4  ,!n--  ,b he    
kn[s some?+--some?+ ab\t ! murd] (      
,/ella--& he won't tell me :at x is4    
,i--,i'm afraid = him4 ,he isn't sleep+ 
at night1 & ,i believe he's wat*+       
somebody at ! /udio1 & ,i "k--x's !     
,,woman',s intuition1 ,pr(essor--%e     
emphasiz$ ! ^w1 & paus$--he's 9 dang]4  
,he's 9 "s great ?reat5+ dang]6  ,:at d 
y wi% me to d1 ,miss ,lor+8  ,i want y  
to protect him &--sl[ly %e color$1 up & 
ar\nd & ab\t h] eyes z %e always did1   
until %e wasn't unlike an ,indian       
maid--& no "o mu/ "k ,i've be5 up to see
 y4  ,gravely ,k5n$y b[$ h] to ! door1  
assur+ h] he w\ld d all t lay 9 8 p[]4  
,:5 he return$ ,i 0 ready = him4  ,n[6  
,i exclaim$4 ,n[ say x isn't ,w]n]6 ,"h 
is ,m]le ,%irley wat*+ "s "o at ! /udio4

 ,isn't t likely to be ! director8 ,& if
 ,%irley is wat*+ ,w]n] y h !           
explanation = ! second intrud] at       
,t>ryt[n la/ night4 ,%irley is big en\gh
 & /rong en\gh to h giv5 ! deputy a nice
 swift tussle4  ,a little tall1 ,i'm    
afraid1 ,k5n$y rem>k$4  ,y c't g by !   
deputy's impressions4 ,he didn't really 
rememb] mu* ( any?+4 ,c]ta9ly he 0      
unobs]v+4  ,p]haps y're "r1 ,walt]4     
,k5n$y smil$4 ,b h[ ab\t ,gordon8 he    
add$4 ,!re's g5u9e motive--money6  ,or  
,%irley himself6 ,i attempt$ to be      
s>ca/ic4 ,!re's g5u9e motive4 ,/ella    
made a fool out ( him4  ,x wasn't a     
murd] ( passion1 ,k5n$y rem9d$ me4 ,no  
"o 9 a :ite heat ( rage w\ld /udy up on 
snake v5oms4  ,if x 7 a sl[-smold]+--   
,%irley's ang] wasn't t k9d4  ,b good   
heav5s6 ,z usual ,i arriv$ n[h]e 9 an   
argum5t ) ,k5n$y4 ,circum/antial evid5ce
 po9ts to ,w]n] almo/ altoge!r--  ,y've 
=gott5 "o po9t 9 y\r *a91 ,walt]4       
,:at's t8  ,:oev] took ! ne$le f !      
curta9 la/ night scrat*$ himself on x & 

left blood spots on ! porti]es1 t9y     
ones1 b real blood spots1 nev]!less4 ,t 
means ! intrud] inoculat$ himself )     
v5om4 ,i d\bt t ! poison 0 s dry z to be
 ineffectual4 ,if x 0 ,w]n]1 h[ d y     
acc\nt = ! fact t he is /ill alive8  ,d 
y--,i guess my eyes w5t wide--d y expect
 to dig up a dead man some:]e8 ,is !re  
"s "o we suspect & hav5't se5 s9ce      
ye/]day8  ,he didn't answ]1 pref]r+ to  
tantalize me4  ,h[ d y acc\nt = x       
y\rself8 ,i dem&$1 some:at hotly4       
,let's call x a day1 ,walt]1 he rejo9$4 
,let's g to b$6      ,,xviii  ,,!       
,,antiv59   ,i slept late 9 ! morn+1 s t
 ,k5n$y _h to wake me4 ,:5 we _h f9i%$  
breakfa/ he l$ ! way to ! laboratory1   
all )\t mak+ any ef=t to satisfy my     
curiosity4 ,!re he />t$ pack+ up ! tubes
 & mat]ials he _h be5 /udy+ 9 ! case1 r 
?an resum+ 8 inve/igations4  ,:at's !   
idea8 ,i ask$1 f9ally1 unable to conta9 
myself any long]4  ,y c>ry ?is package1 
he direct$4 ,i'll take ! o!r4  ,i obey$1
 some:at sulkily ,i'm afraid4  ,y see1  

he add$1 z we left ! build+ & hurri$ to 
! taxi /& ne> ! campus1 ! next problem  
is to id5tify ! p>ticul> k9d ( v5om t 0 
us$4 ,besides1 ,i want to "k ! nature ( 
! spots on ! t[el y f\nd4 ,!y c]ta9ly 7 
n ( v5om4 ,i h my suspicions :at !y     
really are4  ,he paus$ :ile we select$ a
 vehicle & made ourselves com=table4 ,to
 save "t1 he w5t on1 ,i ?\ght ,i'd j g  
ov] to ! ,ca/leton ,in/itute4 ,y "k 9 _!
 laboratories ! fam\s ,japanese         
inve/igator1 ,doctor ,nagoya1 has made  
"s m>vel\s discov]ies conc]n+ ! v5om (  
snakes4 ,x is 8 specialty1 a matt] to   
:i* he has practically devot$ 8 life4   
,!re=e ,i expect t he w be able to      
confirm c]ta9 suspicions ( m9e v        
quickly1 or--a %rug--explode a !ory :i* 
has sl[ly be5 tak+ =m 9 ! back ( my     
head4  ,:5 we dismiss$ ! taxi 9 front ( 
! in/itute ,i realiz$ t ?is w\ld be my  
fir/ visit to ?is in/itution s lavi%ly  
end[$ by ! multi-millionaire1 ,ca/leton1
 = ! advancem5t ( exp]im5tal sci5ce4    
,k5n$y's c>d1 s5t 9 to ,doctor ,nagoya1 

br\ght t em95t inve/igator out p]sonally
 to see u4 ,he 0 ! v f9e/ type (        
,ori5tal savant1 a memb] ( !            
intellectual nobility ( ! /range ,ea/]n 
l& only rec5tly made receptive to !     
civilization ( ! ,we/4 ,:5 he & ,k5n$y  
*att$ toge!r 9 l[ tones = a few mom5ts x
 0 h>d = me to grasp t ea* belong$ to a 
basic race /ra9 fundam5tally diff]5t f !
 o!r4 ,ea/ & ,we/ _h met1 ^u ! plane (  
mod]n sci5ce4 ,! two 7 simply m5 (      
specializ$ k1 ! ,japanese pre-em95t 9 "o
 field1 ,k5n$y 9 ano!r4  ,c>efully &    
?or\ghly ,k5n$y & ,nagoya w5t ov] !     
results :i* ,k5n$y _h already obta9$4   
,aft] a mom5t ,doctor ,nagoya conduct$ u
 to 8 rese>* room4  ,n[ let me %[ y1    
said ! ,ori5tal4  ,9 a mom5t !y 7 deep 9
 ! my/]ies ( an ev5 m m9ute analysis ?an
 ,k5n$y _h made be=e4 ,i took a turn    
ab\t ! room1 f9d+ no?+ m und]/&able ?an 
! /udy hold+ ,k5n$y's int]e/4 ,?\gh ,i  
c\ld n grasp x1 curiosity kept me hov]+ 
close4  ,y see--,nagoya spoke z he f9i%$
 ! te/ he 0 mak+ at ! mom5t--)\t a d\bt 

x is crotal91 ! v5om ( ! rattlesnake1   
,crotalus horridus4  ,!re 0 no snake    
actually pres5t1 ,i ha/5$ to expla91    
break+ 94 ,!n at a glance f ,k5n$y ,i   
/opp$1 aba%$1 = all ?is _h be5 made cle>
 to ! sci5ti/4  ,x is n necess>y1       
,nagoya repli$1 turn+ to me ) !         
polit5ess *>act]i/ic ( ! ,ea/4 ,crotal9 
c be obta9$ n[ ) fair ease4 ,x is a drug
 us$ 9 a new treatm5t ( epilepsy :i* is 
be+ tri$ out at _m hospitals4  ,i nodd$ 
my ?anks1 n want+ to int]rupt aga94     
,k5n$y press$ on to ! next po9t he wi%$ 
e/abli%$4 ,t 0 ! spot on ! porti]es4 ,n[
 ! ampulla4  ,also crotal94 ,doctor     
,nagoya spoke positively4  ,h[ ab\t ?is 
solution8 ,k5n$y took f my package !    
tube ) ! liquid made f ! fa9t spots on !
 t[el :i* ,i _h f\nd & :i* _h be5 our   
fir/ clue4 ,x is n crotal94  ,!         
,japanese turn$ to 8 laboratory table4  
,k5n$y mutt]$ "s vague sugge/ions :i* 7 
too te*nical = me b :i* seem$ to enable 
,nagoya to elim9ate a great deal ( "w4  
,! te/ progress$ rapidly4 ,f9ally !     

savant /epp$ back1 reg>d+ ! solution ) a
 v satisfi$ smile4  ,x is1 he expla9$1  
c>efully1 "s ( ! v anticrotalus v59 :i* 
we h p]fect$ "r "h 9 ! in/itute4  ,k5n$y
 nodd$4 ,i suspect$ z mu*4 ,!re 0 great 
elation 9 8 mann]4 ,y see1 ,i _h he>d   
all ab\t y\r wond]ful "w4  ,yes6 ,nagoya
 wav$ 8 h& ar\nd at ! wond]fully equipp$
 room1 only "o detail 9 ! _m arrangem5ts
 = m$ical rese>* made possible by !     
g5]osity ( ,ca/leton4 ,yes1 he repeat$1 
pr\d ( 8 laboratory1 z he well might be1
 we h made a great deal ( progress 9 !  
developm5t ( protective s]a--antiv59s1  
we call !m4  ,are !y di/ribut$ widely8  
,k5n$y ask$1 ?\ghtfully4  ,all ov] ! _w4
 ,we are practically ! only s\rce (     
supply4  ,h[ d y obta9 ! s]um 9         
quantity8  ,f horses treat$ ) increas+  
doses ( ! snake v5om4  ,a "q /ruck me z 
,i rememb]$ ! peculi> d\ble action ( !  
poison4 ,c y tell me j h[ ! antiv59     
c\nt]acts ! effects ( ! v5om8 ,i inquir$
 ( ! savant4  ,surely1 he repli$4 ,x    
neutralizes "o ( ! two elem5ts 9 ! v5om1

 ! n]v\s poison1 ?us enabl+ ! individual
 to devote all 8 vitality to ov]com+ !  
irritant poison4 ,x is ! n]v\s poison t 
is ! *ief dea?-deal+ ag5t1 produc+      
p>alysis ( ! he>t & respiration4 ,we    
advise all travel]s to c>ry ! protective
 s]um if !y are likely to be expos$ to  
snake bites4  ,k5n$y pick$ up ! tube    
conta9+ ! solution made f ! t[el spots4 
,?is antiv59 0 y\r product1 doctor8     
,probably s1 0 ! precise answ]4  ,!n !  
pur*as]s c be id5tifi$1 ,i sugge/$4  ,we
 h no record ( ord9>y pur*as]s1 ,nagoya 
expla9$1 sl[ly4  ,k5n$y 0 ke5ly         
disappo9t$ at t1 & %[$ x4 ,h[ev]1 he    
?ank$ ! sci5ti/ cordially1 & we dep>t$4 
,outside1 he turn$ to me4  ,d y und]/&  
n[ :y ! night intrud] at ,t>ryt[n did n 
die--if he is "o ( our suspects--f !    
scrat* ( ! ne$le8  ,y mean he _h tak5 an
 injection ( antiv59 be=e--  ,exactly6  
,we are deal+ ) a crim9al ( diabolical  
clev]ness4 ,n only did he make all 8    
plans to kill ,miss ,lam> ) ! greate/   
possible c>e1 b he prep>$ aga9/ accid5t 

to himself4 ,he 0 tak+ no *ances4 ,he   
inoculat$ himself ) a protective s]um4  
,! ne$le ( ! syr+e he us$ = t purpose he
 wip$ ^u ! t[el y discov]$ 9 ! wa%room4 
,,xix  ,,ar\nd ,,! ,,circle   ,i'd l to 
h ano!r talk ) ,mill>d ab\t t ,=tune    
,features affair1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y4  ,x 0 !
 ?ird morn+ aft] ! dea? ( ,/ella ,lam>1 
& ,i f\nd him half ?r\gh breakfa/ :5 ,i 
rose4 ,ab\t him 7 pil$ mov+ picture &   
!atrical publications1 daily1 weekly1 & 
mon?ly4 ,at ! mom5t ,i caught him he _h 
spread wide op5 ! inn] page ( ! ,daily  
,metropolitan1 a %eet devot$ almo/      
exclusively to sports & ! amusem5t      
fields4  ,i w5t ar\nd to glance ov] 8   
%\ld]4 ,he po9t$ to a small item "u a   
head+ ( rec5t plans & *anges4           
,,=tune ,,features       ,x is h9t$ to !
 ,metropolitan ,man-ab\t-,broadway1 by  
^?      9 a position to "k b :o _c yet  
be quot$1 t      ,=tune ,features is    
ab\t to absorb a numb] ( ! l>ge/        
compet+ companies4 ,rumors ( great      
*anges 9 ! picture      _w h be5 curr5t 

= "s weeks1 & ?is is ! fir/             
reliable in=mation to be giv5 out4 ,x is
 premature to give      details ( ! new 
comb9ation1 or to m5tion names1 b       
,=tune's /rong back+ 9 ,wall ,/reet w1  
we are assur$1      h a /abiliz+        
influ5ce at a critical "t 9 !           
indu/ry4  ,seems to be a lot ( hot air1 
,i said4 ,!re isn't a "n m5tion$4       
,ev]y?+ is 'by ^? 9 a position to "k' & 
'rumors ( & 'x is premature to give     
details444 or m5tion names'--,bah6      
,k5n$y turn$ to places he _h m>k$ 9     
sev]al ( ! o!r p]iodicals & pap]s & ,i  
read !m4 ,ea* 0 sub/antially to ! effect
 ( ! note 9 ! ,metropolitan1 al?\gh     
word$ diff]5tly & g5]ally pr9t$ z a news
 item4  ,x's a feel]1 ,k5n$y /at$4      
,!re's some?+ back ( x4 ,:5 ,i caught ! 
ref]5ce to ,=tune ,features 9 !         
,metropolitan1 :i* ,i've be5 read+ ! pa/
 two days1 ,i s5t ! boy out = e movie   
publication he c\ld f9d4 ,result3 half a
 doz5 repetitions ( ! h9t t ,=tune is   
exp&+4 ,t means t x is delib]ate        

publicity4  ,y ?9k ?is has some?+ to d )
 ! case8  ,i don't see ! "n ( ,manton   
m5tion$ once4 ,manton is a man :o seeks 
! front page on e opportunity4 ,y       
rememb]1 ( c\rse1 :at ,mill>d told u4   
,someh[ ,i smell a rat4 ,if no?+ else   
develops = ?is morn+1 ,i want to f9d    
,mill>d & talk to him aga94 ,i believe  
,manton is up to some?+4  ,! %>p s\nd ( 
our buzz] int]rupt$ u4 ,because ,i 0 on 
my feet ,i w5t to ! door4 ,to my        
amazem5t ,i f\nd x 0 ,phelps :o 0 our v 
e>ly visitor4  ,i hope y'll excuse ?is  
intrusion1 he apologiz$ to ,k5n$y1 pu%+ 
by me ) ! rud5ess :i* seem$ inh]5t 9 !  
man4 ,!n he recogniz$ ! %eet /ill spread
 out on ! table4 ,i see y1 too1 h be5   
read+ ! ,metropolitan4  ,yes1 ,k5n$y    
admitt$1 languidly4 ,!re is no?+ ab\t   
,manton ,pictures1 ?\gh4  ,manton       
,pictures1 hell6 ,9 an in/ant ,phelps   
explod$ & ! ?9 v5e] ( polit5ess 0 gone4 
,) a %ak+ f+] he po9t$ to ! item :i* we 
_h j be5 read+ & discuss+4 ,did y read  
t6 ,did y see ! ref]5ce to /abiliz+ !   

indu/ry8 ,,/abiliz+6 ,x ought to be     
spell$ /able-iz+1 = !y lead all !       
donkeys into /alls & tie !m up & let !m 
kick4 ,he /opp$ mom5t>ily = %e]         
inability to cont9ue4  ,i suppose y     
don't "k ,manton is beh9d ?is ,=tune    
,features8  ,we 7 aw>e ( ! fact1 ,k5n$y 
told him1 quietly4  ,phelps look$ f "o  
to ! o!r ( u ke5ly1 z if he _h ?\ght to 
surprise u & _h be5 disappo9t$4 ,n]v\sly
 he began to pace ! floor4  ,p]haps y "k
 also t ?+s hav5't be5 go+ j "r )       
,manton ,pictures8  ,k5n$y /raight5$4   
,:5 ,i ask$ y at ,t>ryt[n1 j two morn+s 
ago1 :e!r !re 0 any tr\ble betwe5       
,manton & y\rself1 y answ]$ t !re 0 n4  
,phelps flu%$4 ,i didn't want to air my 
f9ancial difficulties ) ,manton4 ,my--my
 answ] 0 tru?ful1 ! way y meant y\r "q4 
,manton & ,i h _h no words1 no qu>rel1  
no disagreem5t ( a p]sonal nature4  ,:at
 is ! tr\ble ) ,manton ,pictures8  ,!y  
are wa/+ money--?r[+ x "r & left4 ,t pay
 roll ( !irs is prepo/]\s4 ,! wa/e      
itself is beyond belief--sometimes f\r &

 five cam]as on a sc5e1 retakes ^u !    
slighte/ provocation1 ev5 sets rebuilt  
because "s m9or detail fails to suit !  
arti/ic eye ( ! director4 ,w]n]1 suppos$
 to wat* all ! companies1 doesn't half  
"k 8 bus9ess4 ,9 ! mak+ ( a five-reel   
film !y w ov]take sometimes z mu* z     
eighty or a hundr$ ?\s& feet ( negative 
9 ea* ( two cam]as1 :5 tw5ty ?\s& is    
en\gh ov]take = anyone4 ,t alone is five
 to t5 ?\s& doll>s = negative /ock1     
almo/ fifte5 ) ! sample pr9t & develop+4
 ,& ! co/ ( /ock1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 is !     
smalle/ item4 ,all ! extra l5g? is long 
additional weeks ( pay roll & ov]head   
exp5se4 ,i put an auditor & a film exp]t
 on ! acc\nts ( ,/ella ,lam>'s la/      
picture4 ,by _! figures j sixty-?ree    
?\s& doll>s 0 absolutely ?r[n away4     
,k5n$y rose1 fold+ ! newspap] c>efully  
:ile he collect$ 8 ?\ghts4 ,my de> ,mr4 
,phelps1 he /at$1 f9ally1 t is simply   
ineffici5cy4 ,i d\bt if x is any?+      
crim9al2 c]ta9ly !re is no connection ) 
! dea? ( ,/ella ,lam>1 my only int]e/ 9 

,manton ,pictures4  ,phelps 0 v grave4  
,!re is e connection ) ! dea? ( ,/ella  
,lam>6  ,:at d y mean8  ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 :at
 ,i'm go+ to say to y ,i _c sub/antiate 
9 any c\rt ( law4 ,fur!rmore ,i'm lay+  
myself op5 to action = libel1 s ,i mu/ n
 be quot$4 ,b ,i want y to und]/& t     
,/ella 0 inescapably w\nd up ) all (    
,manton's f9ancial s*emes4 ,8 money     
maneuv]s det]m9$ h] social life1 h]     
fri5ds--ev]y?+4 ,%e 0 !n1 z ,enid ,faye 
w be n[1 8 come-on1 8 decoy4 ,manton has
 no scruples ( any sort :atsoev]4 ,he is
 di%one/1 tricky1 a li>1 & a *eat4 ,if  
,i c\ld prove x ,i w\ld tell him s1 b   
he's too clev] = me4 ,i d "k1 h[ev]1 t  
he pull$ ! /r+s :i* controll$ e move    
,/ella ,lam> ev] made4 ,:5 %e w5t to    
d9n] ) me x 0 because ,manton wi%$ h] to
 d s4 ,%e 0 8 "r h&1 8 e>s1 almo/ 8 m\?4
 ,i h no d\bt b t h] dea? is ! direct   
result ( "s bus9ess deal ( 8--some?+    
directly to d ) 8 f9ancial necessities4 
,k5n$y did n glance up4 ,^? are v s]i\s 
ass]tions4  ,x is a v s]i\s matt]4 ,to  

%[ h[ unscrupul\s ,manton is1 ,i c      
demon/rate t he is wreck+ ,manton       
,pictures delib]ately4 ,i've told y ( ! 
wa/e4 ,only ! o!r day ,i came into !    
/udio4 ,w]n] 0 putt+ up a great ballroom
 set4 ,y saw x8 ,no1 t isn't ! "o ,i    
mean4 ,i mean ! fir/ "o4 ,he _h x all   
up2 !n "s little ?+ didn't suit him4 ,! 
next day ,i came 9 aga94 ,all           
/ruck--sl\gh$--e bit ( x--& a new "o    
/>t$4 ',lloyd1' ,i said1 'j ?9k a       
m9ute--t's my money6' ,:at good did x d8
 ,he ev5 began to alt] ! new set6 ,he   
w\ld only g on1 enc\rag+ ,w]n] & ! o!r  
directors to *ange _! sets1 to lose "t 9
 try+ = fooli% effects1 any?+ at all to 
pad ! exp5se4  ,y ?9k ,i am romanc+1 b y
 don't und]/& ! film _w1 ,phelps hurri$ 
on angrily4 ,d y "k t ,enid ,faye's     
contract is n ) ,manton ,pictures b )   
,manton himself8 ,t means he c take h]  
away f me aft] he has made h] a /> ) my 
money1 at my exp5se4 ,:y %\ld he wreck  
,manton ,pictures1 y ask8 ,d y "k t1 bit
 by bit1 on ! pretext t he ne$$ ! funds 

= ?is t1 or ! o!r ?+1 ,manton has sold  
out 8 entire int]e/ 9 ! company to me8  
,x is all m9e n[4 ,i tell y1 compla9$   
,phelps1 bitt]ly1 he c\ldn't seem to    
wreck ! company fa/ en\gh4 ,:y8 ,d y    
realize t !re isn't room bo? = ?is old] 
company & ! new ,=tune ,features8 ,c y  
see t if ,manton ,pictures fails !      
,=tune company w be able to pick up !   
/udio & all ! equipm5t = a song8 ,i'm ! 
fall guy6  ,& yet1 ,k5n$y1 all ! ef=ts  
to wreck ,manton ,pictures w\ld h fail$1
 because ',! ,black ,t]ror' 0 too sure a
 success4 ,9 spite ( all ! exp5se1 9    
spite ( e ef=t to wreck x1 t picture    
w\ld h made half a million doll>s4      
,/ella's act+ & ,mill>d's /ory & script 
w\ld h put x ov]4 ,b n[ ,mill>d's       
contract has expir$ & ,manton has sign$ 
him = ,=tune ,features4 ,enid ,faye w be
 made a /> by ',! ,black ,t]ror1' b %e  
is n n[ ! draw+ p[] to put x ov] big1 z 
,/ella w\ld h done4 ,i tell y1 ,k5n$y1 !
 dea? ( ,/ella ,lam> has complet$ !     
wreck ( ,manton ,pictures6  ,k5n$y jump$

 to 8 feet4 ,!re 0 a h>d light 9 8 eyes 
,i _h nev] se5 be=e4  ,d ,i und]/& y1   
,phelps8 he snapp$4 ,are y accus+       
,manton ( ! cold-blood$ murd] ( ,/ella  
,lam> to fur!r v>i\s f9ancial s*emes8   
,h>dly6 ,phelps blan*$ a bit1 & ,i ?\ght
 t a %udd] swept ov] him4 ,i don't mean 
any?+ l t at all4 ,:at ,i mean is t     
,manton1 9 enc\rag+ v>i\s sorts (       
diss5sion to wreck ! company1           
inadv]t5tly fann$ ! flames ( passion (  
^? ab\t h]1 & x result$ 9 h] dea?4  ,:o 
kill$ h]8  ,i don't "k6 ,grudg+ly ,i    
admitt$ t ?is seem$ op5 & frank4  ,at   
,t>ryt[n1 ,k5n$y w5t on1 ,i ask$ y if   
,/ella ,lam> 0 mak+ any tr\ble1 _h      
?reat5$ to quit ,manton ,pictures1 & y  
said no4 ,is t /ill y\r answ]8  ,=      
sev]al mon?s %e _h be5 up-/age4 ,t 0 n  
because %e want$ to make tr\ble1 b      
because %e _h fall5 9 love4 ,manton f\nd
 he c\ldn't h&le h] z he _h previ\sly4  
,d y suspect ,manton ( kill+ h] himself8
  ,i don't suspect anyone4 ,t is an     
hone/ answ]1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y4  ,:at d y "k  

ab\t ,=tune ,features8  ,! bank]'s eye  
fell on ! newspap] aga94 ,i "k :o ?is   
new ,wall ,/reet fell[ is4 ,i've got my 
sc\ts out work+ = me4 ,x's ,leigh--t's  
:o x is4 ,& ,i'm sore2 ,i h a "r to be4 
,phelps 0 gett+ m & m heat$1 by ! mom5t4
 ,i tell y1 he almo/ %\t$1 ?is fake     
movie bus9ess is ! mod]n gold-brick     
game1 all "r4 ,nev] aga96  ,i 0 amaz$ at
 ! ,ma*iavellian clev]ness ( ,manton4   
,"h he 01 on "o h& op5ly work+ )1 yet   
secretly ru9+1 ! ,manton ,pictures1 :ile
 on ! o!r h& he 0 cov]tly build+ up !   
compet+ ,=tune ,features4  ,k5n$y pac$  
out into ! little hall ( our suite &    
back4 ,he fac$ our visitor once m4  ,:y 
did y come to see me ?is morn+8 ,at our 
la/ enc\nt]1 y may recall y said y wi%$ 
y c\ld ?r[ me d[n ! /eps4  ,phelps smil$
 ruefully4 ,t 0 a mi/ake4 ,x 0 ! way ,i 
felt1 b--,i'm sorry4  ,n[--8  ,aga9 !   
black cl\ds ov]%ad[$ ! features ( !     
f9anci]4 ,n[ ,i want y to br+ out &     
prove ! ?+s ,i've told y4 ,! malice %[$ 
9 8 voice pla9ly1 = ! fir/ "t4 ,i want x

 prov$ 9 c\rt t ,manton is a *eap crook4
 ,:5 y uncov] ! murd]] ( ,/ella ,lam> y 
w f9d t ! moral responsibility = h] dea?
 traces "r back to ,lloyd ,manton4 ,i   
want him driv5 out ( ! bus9ess4         
,k5n$y's attitude *ang$4 ,z he escort$  
,phelps to ! door 8 tones 7             
self-controll$4 ,any?+ ( ! sort is      
beyond my prov9ce4 ,my task is simply to
 f9d ! p]son :o kill$ ! girl4  ,:5 !    
f9anci] 0 gone ,i turn$ to ,k5n$y       
eag]ly4 ,:at d y ?9k8 ,i ask$4  ,i ?9k1 
m ?an ev]1 t we %\ld inve/igate ,=tune  
,features4 ,let's h a look at !         
telephone book4  ,!re 0 no /udio ( ! new
 corporation 9 ,new ,york1 b we did f9d 
"o li/$ 9 ,new ,j]sey1 j across ! riv]1 
at ,=t ,lee4 ,we walk$ f ! univ]sity d[n
 ! hill & ov] to ! f]ry4 ,on ! o!r side 
a t5 m9utes' /reet-c> ride took u to our
 de/9ation4  ,fac+ u 0 a huge b>n-l     
/ructure set d[n 9 ! mid/ ( a little    
p>k4 ,inquiry = ,manton br\ght no       
response :atev]2 r1 surprise t we %\ld  
be ask+ = him "h4 ,h[ev]1 ,i reflect$ t 

t 0 exactly :at we ought to expect if   
,manton 0 work+ "u cov]4 ,! girl at !   
telephone swit*bo>d1 smil+ at ,k5n$y1 _h
 a sugge/ion4  ,!y're tak+ a /orm       
ext]ior d[n 9 ! mead[1 %e expla9$4      
,p]haps he's d[n !re1 among !           
visitors--or p]haps !re's someone :o w  
be able to give y "s in=mation4  ,i     
glanc$ outdoors at ! brightly %9+ sun4  
,a /orm8 ,i repeat$1 incr$ul\sly4  ,yes1
 %e smil$4 ,x might int]e/ y to see x4  
,foll[+ h] directions1 we />t$ across   
c\ntry1 leav+ ! /udio build+ "s di/ance 
beh9d & ent]+ a broad expanse ( mead[   
beyond a ?9 clump ( trees4 ,at ! f>!r   
end we c\ld see a l>ge gr\p ( p &       
p>aph]nalia :i*1 at ! di/ance1 we c\ld n
 make out4  ,h[ev]1 x 0 n long aft] we  
em]g$ f ! trees t we p]ceiv$ !y 7       
photograph+ squ>ely 9 our direction4    
,sev]al began wav+ _! arms wildly at u &
 %\t+4 ,k5n$y & ,i1 und]/&+1 turn$ &    
advanc$1 keep+ well out ( ! cam]a l9es1 
along ! edge ( ! field4  ,hello6 a voice
 greet$ u z we approa*$ ! gr\p /&+ back 

& wat*+ ! action4  ,to my surprise x 0  
,mill>d1 ) ! spectators4 ,i look$ ab\t =
 ,manton b did n see him1 nor anyone    
else we knew4  ,x's a /orm & cyclone1   
said ,mill>d1 8 att5tion r on :at 0 go+ 
on ?an on u4  ,= ! mom5t we said no?+4  
,! sc5e be=e u 0 inde$ int]e/+4 ,half a 
doz5 a]oplane eng9es & propell]s _h be5 
set up outside ! picture1 & an*or$      
securely 9 place4 ,! w9d f !m 0 actually
 en\gh to knock a man d[n4 ,ra9 0       
furni%$ by hose play+ wat] into ! :irl+ 
blades1 s5d+ x driv+ into ! sc5e ) !    
fury ( a tropical /orm4 ,back ( !       
propell]s half a doz5 m5 7 frantically  
at "w %ovel+ into !m s& & dirt1 creat+  
an amaz+ly reali/ic cyclone4  ,we arriv$
 9 ! mid/ ( ! cyclone sc5e1 z ! du/ /orm
 0 end+ & ! torr5tial ra9 succe$$4 ,= ! 
/orm1 a m9iature village _h be5         
con/ruct$ 9 break-away fa%ion1 p>tially 
saw$ ?r\gh & trick$ = ! prop] mom5t4 ,_m
 objects 7 controll$ by invisible wires1
 includ+ an actual horse & buggy :i*    
seem$ to be lift$ bodily & c>ri$ away4  

,ro(s flew (f1 walls cra%$ 91 actors &  
actresses 7 knock$ flat z "s few ( !m   
fail$ to ga9 _! cyclone cell>s4         
,altoge!r1 x 0 a /orm ( su* effici5cy z 
,nature h]self c\ld sc>cely h furni%$1 &
 all /ag$ ) ! /ream+ sunlight :i* made  
photography possible4  ,p&emonium       
reign$4 ,cam]as 7 gr9d+1 directors 7    
bawl+ ?r\gh megaphones1 all 0 calculat$ 
*aos4 ,yet x took only a glance to see t
 "s m>vel\s effects 7 be+ caught "h4    
,at ! conclusion ,i recogniz$ sudd5ly ! 
little lead+ lady1 ,x 0 ! girl we _h se5
 ) ,manton at ,jacques' cab>et4  ,t's ! 
way to take a picture1 exclaim$ ,mill>d4
 ,ev]y?+ "r--no exp5se sp>$4 ,i came ov]
 to see x done4 ,x's wond]ful4  ,yes1 0 
,k5n$y's answ]1 b x mu/ be v co/ly4  ,x 
is all ( t1 said ,mill>d4 ,b :at ( x if 
! film makes a big clean-up8 ,i w\ldn't 
h miss$ ?is = any?+4 ,w]n] nev] /ag$ a  
spectacle l ?is 9 8 life4 ,=tune        
,features are go+ to set a new m>k 9    
pictures4  ,b c !y keep x up8 ,h !y !   
money8  ,mill>d %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,manton

 ,pictures c't--t's a c9*4 ,phelps has  
rea*$ ! end ( 8 rope1 ,i guess4 ,i'm    
afraid ! tr\ble ) him 0 t he 0 ?9k+ (   
too _m ?+s besides pictures4  ,!re 0 no 
mi/ak+ ! mean+ ( ! rem>k4 ,mill>d 0 /ill
 cut by ,/ella's des]tion ( him = !     
brok]4 ,i caught ,k5n$y's glance1 b     
nei!r ( u c>$ to ref] to h]4  ,:]e c ,i 
f9d ,manton n[8 ,k5n$y ask$4  ,did y try
 8 (fice at sev5 hundr$ & tw5ty-n9e8 0  
,mill>d's sugge/ion4  ,no2 ,i want$ to  
see ?is place fir/4  ,well1 y'll mo/    
likely f9d him !re4 ,i've got to g back 
to ! city myself-"s sc5es ( ',! ,black  
,t]ror' to rewrite to fit ,enid bett]4  
,i'll motor y across ! f]ry & to !      
,subway4  ,at ! ,subway /ation1 ,mill>d 
left u & we proce$$ to ,manton's        
executive (fices 9 a ,sev5? ,av5ue      
skyscrap]1 built = & devot$ exclusively 
to ! film bus9ess4  ,manton's bus9ess   
suite 0 lavi%ly furni%$1 b n q z ornate 
& g>i% z 8 ap>tm5t4 ,! promot] himself  
welcom$ u1 = no matt] h[ busy he 0 at   
any h\r1 he always seem$ to h "t to /op 

& *at4  ,well1 h[ goes x8 ,he pu%$ ov] a
 box ( exp5sive cig>s4 ,h y f\nd out    
any?+ yet8  ,_h a visit f ,phelps ?is   
morn+4 ,k5n$y plung$ directly into !    
subject1 wat*+ ! effect4  ,manton did n 
betray any?+ except a quiet smile4 ,poor
 old ,phelps1 he said4 ,i guess he's    
pretty uneasy4 ,y "k he has be5         
speculat+ r heavily 9 ! m>ket lately4   
,!re 0 a "t :5 ,i ?\ght ,phelps _h a    
bank roll 9 res]ve4 ,b x seems he has   
be5 play+ ! game on a %oe/r+1 aft] all4 
,manton casually flick$ ! a%es f 8 cig> 
into a highly poli%$ cuspidor z he lean$
 ov]4 ,i happ5 to h le>n$ t1 to make 8  
bluff good1 he has be5 tak+ money f 8   
brok]age bus9ess--"h he nodd$ sagely--8 
cu/om]s' acc\nts y "k4 ,leigh kn[s !    
inside ( ev]ybody's affairs 9 ,wall     
,/reet4 ,!y say a qu>t] ( a million is  
%ort1 at lea/4 ,to tell y ! tru?1 poor  
,/ella took a good deal ( ,phelps's     
money4 ,c]ta9ly 8 ,manton ,pictures     
hold+s w\ldn't leave him 9 ! hole z deep
 z all t4  ,i reflect$ t ?is 0 q ! way (

 ! _w--fir/ fram+ up some?+ on a boob1  
!n deprecat+ ! ease ) :i* he 0 trimm$4  
,0 x blackmail ,/ella _h levi$ on       
,phelps1 ,i wond]$8 ,0 %e tak+ f him to 
give to ,gordon8 ,_h ,/ella brok5 him8  
,0 %e ! real cause ( ! tangle 9 8       
affairs8 ,& _h ,phelps 9 insane passion 
rev5g$ himself on h]8  ,9 ! conv]sation 
) ,manton !re 0 c]ta9ly no h9t ( answ]  
to my qu]ies4 ,) all 8 ease1 ,manton 0 !
 true picture promot]4 ,seldom 0 he     
betray$ into a positive /atem5t ( 8 own4
 ,always1 :5 necess>y1 he gave z        
au?ority ! "n ( "s "o else4 ,b ! effect 
0 ! same4  ,a hurri$ call ( "s sort took
 ,manton away f u4 ,k5n$y turn$ to me ) 
a :imsical expression4  ,let's g6 he    
rem>k$4  ,:at d y make ( x1 (fh&8 ,i    
ask$1 outside4  ,we're go+ ab\t 9 a     
circle1 he rem>k$4 ,/range gr\p ( p4    
,ea* app>5tly suspects ! o!r4  ,&1 to   
cov] himself1 talks ( ! o!r fell[1 ,i   
add$4  ,k5n$y nodd$1 & we made our way  
t[>d ! laboratory4  ,i'll bet some?+    
happ5s be=e ! day is ov]1 ,i haz>d$1 =  

no reason 9 p>ticul>4  ,k5n$y %rugg$4   
,z we w5t1 ,i ca/ up 9 my m9d ! facts we
 _h le>n$4 ,! in=mation f ,manton 0     
disconc]t+1 com+ on top ( :at _h already
 be5 reveal$ ab\t ! inn] work+s ( 8     
game4 ,if ,phelps _h secretly borr[$ f !
 tru/ acc\nts 9 8 *>ge a qu>t] ( a      
million or s1 ,i saw t 8 situation mu/  
inde$ be desp]ate4 ,to :at l5g?s he     
might g x 0 difficult to det]m9e4       
,,xx  ,,! ,,banquet ,,sc5e   ,= once ,i 
qualifi$ z a prophet4 ,we 7 h>dly 9 our 
rooms :5 ! telephone rang = ,k5n$y4 ,x 0
 ,di/rict-,attorney ,mackay1 call+ 9 f  
,t>ryt[n4  ,my m5 h positive            
id5tification ( "o ( ! visitors to !    
,phelps home ! night aft] ! murd]1 he   
report$4  ,f9e6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4 ,:o 0  
x8 ,h[ did y uncov] 8 trail8  ,y rememb]
 t my deputy he>d ! s\nd ( a dep>t+     
automobile8 ,well1 we h be5 que/ion+    
ev]yone4 ,a citiz5 "h1 :o return$ home  
late at j ab\t t h\r1 rememb]s see+ a   
taxicab te>+ ?r\gh ! /reet at a reckless
 rate4 ,he came 9 to see me ?is morn+4  

,he made a m5tal note ( ! lic5se numb]  
at ! "t1 & :ile no?+ /uck ) him b ! la/ 
?ree figures1 ?ree sixes1 he 0 sure t x 
0 a ,m>oon taxi4 ,we got busy & h locat$
 ! driv] :o made ! trip1 f a /& at      
,?irty-?ird all ! way out & back4 ,on ! 
return he dropp$ 8 f>e at ! man's       
ap>tm5t4 ,! id5tification is positive4  
,:o is x8 ,k5n$y became q excit$4       
,w]n]1 ! director4  ,w]n]6 9 surprise4  
,:at are y go+ to d8  ,arre/ him        
fir/--exam9e him aft]w>d4 ,i've sworn   
out ! w>rant already1 & ,i'm go+ to />t 
9 by c> j z soon z we hang up4 ,i ?\ght 
,i'd phone y fir/ 9 case y want$ to     
accompany me to ! /udio4  ,we'll hurry  
!re1 ,k5n$y repli$1 & meet y4  ,outside8
  ,no1 up on ! floor4  ,y'll be !re     
fifte5 m9utes to half an h\r ahead ( me4
 ,i hope !re is no way = anyone to tip  
him (f s he c escape4  ,we'll /op him if
 he attempts x4  ,good6  ,! c\rty>d ( ! 
/udio ( ,manton ,pictures1 ,incorporat$1
 0 ab\t ! same z ^u ! occasions ( our   
previ\s visits except t ,i detect$ a    

l>g] numb] ( c>s p>k$ 9 ! inclosure1    
includ+ a numb] ( v f9e ones4 ,also1 x  
seem$ to me t !re 0 a great] abs5ce (   
life ?an usual1 z ?\gh some?+ ( p>ticul>
 int]e/ _h tak5 ev]yone inside !        
build+s4  ,! gateman in=m$ u t ,w]n] 0  
work+ ! l>ge /udio4 ,we made our way up 
?r\gh ! /ructure conta9+ ! dress+ rooms 
& f\nd ! prop] door )\t difficulty4 ,:5 
we pass$ ?r\gh "u ! big glass ro( we    
grasp$ ! reason = ! lack ( int]e/ 9 !   
o!r dep>tm5ts ab\t ! quadrangle4 ,"h    
ev]yone 0 ga!r$ to wat* ! tak+ ( !      
banquet sc5e = ,! ,black ,t]ror4 ,! huge
 set 0 illum9at$ brightly1 & pack$1     
?rong$ ) p4  ,x 0 a m>vel\s set 9 _m    
ways4 ,to c>ry out ! illusion ( size &  
to aid 9 ! deceptive additional l5g?    
giv5 by ! mirrors at ! f>!r end1 ,w]n]  
_h decid$ aga9/ ! usual "o l>ge table   
arrang$ horse%oe-l1 b _h sub/itut$      
in/ead a great numb] ( individual small]
 tables1 ab\t :i* he _h gr\p$ ! v>i\s   
gue/s4 ,! plac+ ( ^? ne>e/ ! mirrors _h 
be5 s arrang$ z to give no d\ble images1

 ?us betray+ ! trick4 ,! wait]s1 all !  
*>act]s :o walk$ ab\t1 7 kept ne> !     
front t[>d ! cam]as = ! same reason4 ,x 
seem$ z if ! banquet hall 0 at lea/     
twice its actual size4  ,i saw t ,mill>d
 _h arriv$ ahead ( u4 ,ei!r ! *ang+ ( ! 
sc5es 9 8 script to fit ,enid _h n tak5 
him v long or else ! photograph+ ( ?is  
p>ticul> bit ( action _h prov$          
suffici5tly fasc9at+ to draw him away f 
8 "w4 ,i wond]$ at fir/ if he _h come to
 ! /udio to use 8 (fice "h1 an infrequ5t
 happ5+1 f ,manton's acc\nt4 ,!n ,i     
realiz$ t he 0 9 ev5+ dress4 ,)\t d\bt  
he plann$ to play a m9or "p 9 ! banquet4
 ,8 pres5ce 0 no accid5t4  ,!n ,i pick$ 
out ,manton himself f our po9t (        
obs]vation 9 a quiet corn] select$ by   
,k5n$y = t purpose4 ,x 0 evid5t t !     
promot] _h cle>$ up 8 bus9ess at ! (fice
 rapidly s9ce we _h left him !re to g to
 our qu>t]s on ! ,heights & _h dep>t$   
imm$iately f ! latt] place s z to prec$e
 ! ,di/rict ,attorney "h4  ,manton z    
well z ,mill>d 0 9 ev5+ dress4 ,a mom5t 

lat] ,i recogniz$ ,phelps1 & he1 too1   
wore 8 =mal clo!s4 ,9 an in/ant ,i      
grasp$ t ,w]n] actually 0 sav+ money4 ,n
 only 7 ^! (ficials ( ! company pres5t  
to help fill up ! tables1 b ,i 0 able n[
 to pick out a numb] ( ! gue/s :o 7     
uneasy 9 _! make-up & m or less out (   
place 9 full-dress attire4 ,!y c]ta9ly 7
 n actors4 ,"o girl ,i def9itely plac$ z
 ! /5ograph] f ,manton's wait+ room at !
 /udio2 !n o!r ?+s caught my att5tion4  
,i c\ld n help b d\bt ! /ories ( wa/e   
told u by ,phelps z ,i look$ ov] ! sc5e 
be=e me4 ,! use ( ! mirrors to avoid    
build+ ! full l5g? ( ! floor did n seem 
to fit 9 ) ! !ory t ,manton & ,w]n] 7   
mak+ e ef=t to wreck ! company          
delib]ately4  ,i wat*$ ! f9anci] =      
sev]al mom5ts1 b did n detect any?+ f 8 
mann] except t he seem$ to feel ill at  
ease & awkw>d 9 make-up4 ,i pick$ out   
,mill>d aga9 & ?is "t f\nd him talk+ )  
,enid ,faye & ,gordon4 ,imm$iately ,i   
s5s$ a dramatic conflict1 c>efully      
suppress$1 b hav+ too _m ( ! outw>d     

indications to fool anyone4 ,9 fact1 a  
*ild w\ld h obs]v$ t ,lawr5ce ,mill>d & 
! lead+ man ne$$ little urg+ to engage 9
 a scuffle !n & !re4 ,?\gh ,/ella ,lam> 
0 dead1 ?is 0 ! h]itage %e _h left4 ,h] 
t\* _h embitt]$ two m5 beyond ! po9t (  
reconciliation--! husb& :o _h be51 & !  
husb& :o 0 to be4 ,( ! two1 ,mill>d _h  
f> ! bett] control ( himself1 h[ev]4    
,aft] a brief ^w or s ,gordon left !m4  
,at once ,i c\ld see ! relief 9 !       
expressions ( bo? ! o!rs4 ,aga9 ,i      
wond]$ j :at might be betwe5 ^! two4 ,x 
0 an easy famili>ity :i* might h be5 z  
casual z x seem$ to be1 no m1 or :i*    
might h be5 a mask = some?+ f> deep] & m
 endur+1 ! s*ool$ out] cloak ( an inn]  
p]fect und]/&+4  ,w]n] 0 by f> ! busie/ 
( ^? wait+ 9 ! /ifl+ heat b5ea? ! glass 
ro(4 ,he 0 9 ev5+ dress1 prep>$ to take 
8 own place be=e ! cam]a1 & 9 /raight   
make-up1 s t he look$ no?+ l ! sla9     
millionaire1 ! "p he _h play$ 9 ! op5+  
sc5es4 ,i saw t he 0 a ma/] 9 ! art (   
make-up4 ,i 0 sure t he 0 m n]v\s ?an   

usual4 ,x /ruck me t he ne$$ ! /imulus (
 ! drug he us$1 al?\gh lat] ,i knew t he
 mu/ h felt1 intuitively1 ! com+ ( ev5ts
 :i* foll[$ close ^u ! attempt to       
photograph ! action4  ,z m ( ! p hurri$ 
up f ! (fices & ar\nd f ! manuscript &  
o!r dep>tm5ts1 v consci\s ( _! =mal     
attire1 & z ! regul> play]s *ang$ &     
adju/$ ! make-ups ( ^! amateurs1 !      
banquet took on ! proportions ( a real  
affair4  ,! memb]s ( ! ca/ 7 plac$ at ! 
table 9 ! =egr\nd4 ,enid1 ,gordon1      
,m>ilyn1 & a f\r? man 7 assign$         
locations2 aft] :i* ,w]n] proce$$ to    
fill ! seats 9 ! re>4 ,) ! exception (  
,mill>d & ,phelps1 none ( ! inexp]i5c$ p
 7 all[$ to face ! cam]a4 ,manton1 ^:   
features 7 famili> ?r\gh publi%$        
int]views 9 _m publicity campaigns1 0   
plac$ to "o side opposite ,phelps4      
,mill>d 0 giv5 *>ge ( a gr\p conta9+ a  
numb] ( giddy extra girls 9 some:at     
diaphan\s co/ume1 & seem$ to be 9 8     
elem5t4  ,! tables !mselves 7 prep>$ )  
p]fect ta/e4 ,i c\ld see t real food 0  

be+ us$1 9 ord] to a*ieve a great]      
degree ( realism1 = a cat]] _h set up a 
buffet "s di/ance out ( ! sc5e f :i* to 
s]ve ! c\rses call$ = 9 ! script4 ,_m ( 
! di%es 7 be+ kept hot1 ! /eam curl+ f  
b5ea? ! cov]s 9 appetiz+ wisps4 ,! w9e1 
suppos$ to be *ampagne1 0 sp>kl+ apple  
juice ( ! be/ quality1 & ,i don't d\bt b
 t be=e ! days ( prohibition ,w]n] w\ld 
h insi/$ ^u ! real fizz wat]4 ,9 details
 su* z ^! ! director 0 %[+ no economy4  
,all ready n[8 ,w]n] call$1 /epp+ back  
to a place at a table :i* he _h res]v$ =
 himself4 ,all set8 ,rememb] ! action ( 
! script8  ,in/antly ! buzz (           
conv]sation di$ & ev]yone turn$ to him4 
,no1 no1 no6 he exclaim$ 9 vexation4    
,don't g dead on y\r feet4 ,?is is a    
banquet4 ,y are hav+ a good "t4 ,x's n a
 fun]al6 ,y 7 all 9 j ! "r /ate ( m9d   
be=e1 & y don't h to /op & gape to li/5 
to me4 ,keep "r on talk+ & laugh+4 ,my  
voice w c>ry & y c he> )\t gett+ out (  
y\r p>ts4  ,i turn$ to ,k5n$y1 to see h[
 ! picture-mak+ /ruck him4 ,i saw t he 0

 wat*+ ! two girls at ! =w>d table      
closely & s ,i fac$ ab\t to foll[ 8     
glance4 ,m>ilyn's face 0 r$ ) ang]1 :ile
 ,enid1 calm & r malici\s1 0 ignor+ h]  
to devote all att5tion to ,gordon4 ,!   
lead+ man1 bor$ & irritat$1 made no ef=t
 to conceal a heavy sc[l4 ,9 ! mom5t>y  
int]val foll[+ ,w]n]'s in/ructions1     
,m>ilyn lo/ all control ( h]self4  ,if y
 w p>don me1 ,,miss ,faye1 %e cri$ out 9
 a voice :i* c>ri$ ov] to u & ) cutt+   
acc5t ^u ! ,miss1 ,i ?9k t 9 ?is sc5e at
 lea/ we %\ld ,,bo? be fac+ ! cam]a4 ,if
 ,i und]/& ! sc5e 9 ! script at all x is
 int5d$ to %[ ! conflict betwe5 ! two   
wom5 ov] ! "o man seat$ betwe5 !m4 ,jack
 ,d>+ is to be sway$ fir/ by ,/ella     
,rems51 !n by ,zelda4 ,at lea/ ?is once 
,i ?9k ! daught] ( old ,rems5 & 8 w>d   
are play+ roles ( equal importance4  ,= 
a mom5t ,i smil$1 realiz+ t ,m>ilyn 0 n 
go+ to let ,enid take ! picture away f  
h] z we _h se5 ! new /> d 9 "o ( h] fir/
 sc5es ) ! lead+ man4 ,!n ,i sob]$1     
realiz+ t x 0 ! out] reflection ( !     

deep-runn+ passion ( ^! p4 ,! cl\d (    
,/ella's dea? 0 ov] !m /ill4  ,enid     
respond$1 b 9 tones too l[ = u to he>4  
,a new flu% ( r$ 9 ,m>ilyn's face1      
h[ev]1 demon/rat$ ! p[] 9 ! la% ( ! o!r 
girl's tongue4 ,w]n] hurri$ ov] to !m1 n
 mask+ 8 own irritation any too well4   
,)\t a ^w he began re>rang+ ! table1    
mov+ x slightly s t :ile !re 0 no great 
diff]5ce 9 its position he _h yet made a
 %[ ( satisfy+ ,m>ilyn4 ,9 effect he    
pleas$ nei!r4 ,! two pretty faces close/
 to ! cam]a 7 a /udy 9 discont5t4  ,i   
don't wond] t mov+-picture directors are
 n]v\s1 ,k5n$y rem>k$4 ,film manufacture
 mu/ keep ev]yone "u con/ant t5sion4    
,:at d y make ( ! feel+ betwe5 ! diff]5t
 p8 ,i ask$4 ,did y notice ,mill>d &    
,gordon1 & n[ ,enid & ,m>ilyn8  ,!re's  
some?+ "u cov]1 he rejo9$2 some?+ beh9d 
all ?is4 ,i get ! impression t our      
suspects are wat*+ "o ano!r1 l z _m     
hawks4 ,at v>i\s times mo/ ( !m h glanc$
 ov] at u4 ,!y "k we are "h & are       
consci\s !y may be "u suspicion4 ,!re=e 

,i p>ticul>ly want to see h[ ^? two     
girls act :5 ,mackay arrives to arre/   
,w]n]4  ,! director1 /epp+ back to 8    
place1 took a megaphone f 8 assi/ant =  
use 9 ! rehe>sal4  ,n[ y mu/ act j z    
?\gh ?is 7 a real banquet1 he %\t$4 ,try
 to =get t ! ,black ,t]ror is lurk+     
outside ! w9d[1 t an attack is com+ f   
him4 ,rememb]1 :5 ! %ot is fir$ y mu/   
all leap up z ?\gh y meant x4 ,"h6      
,y--y--y-- designat+ c]ta9 extra girls1 
fa9t :5 x happ5s4 ,t's n until aft] !   
toa/ is propos$4 ,i'll propose ! toa/ f 
my table & x w be ! cue = ,%irley1      
outside4 ,n[ don't get ahead ( ! action4
 ,y amateurs1 don't turn ar\nd to see if
 ! cam]a is work+4 ,we'll g ?r\gh !     
action up to ! mom5t ,i propose ! toa/4 
,! buzz ( conv]sation rose slightly z   
?\gh an ef=t 0 be+ put into ! gayety4 ,i
 glanc$ ab\t at "s ( ! p :o 7 ca/ = only
 ?is "o sc5e1 wi%+ ,i c\ld read lips1   
because ,i 0 sure _m ( !m talk$ ( matt]s
 :olly out ( place 9 ?is sett+4 ,at !   
same "t ,i kept an eye on ! pr9cipals & 

^u ,w]n]4  ,f9ally ! director 0         
satisfi$1 aft] a second rehe>sal4  ,all 
"r1 he bell[$1 ?r[+ ! megaphone f !     
sc5e4 ,%oot6  ,at ! same in/ant he      
dropp$ to 8 place & app>5tly 0 a gue/ ) 
no int]e/ b 9 ! food & w9e be=e him4    
,at ! cam]as-!re 7 ?ree ( !m-! assi/ant 
director kept a c>eful wat* ( ! g5]al   
action4 ,9 actual "t by ! wat* ! :ole 0 
v %ort1 a second measur+ to sixte5      
pictures or a foot ( film z ,i expla9$  
aft]w>d to ,k5n$y4 ,! entire sc5e p]haps
 ran "o hundr$ or "o hundr$ & fifty     
feet4  ,b on ! scre51 ev5 to !          
spectators 9 ! /udio1 ! illusion 9 a    
sc5e ( ! k9d w\ld be ! duration ( half  
an h\r or ev5 m4 ,?is w\ld be help$ by  
close-ups ( ! individual action1        
especially by ! byplay betwe5 !         
pr9cipals1 tak5 lat] & ins]t$ into !    
long %ot by ! film cutt]4  ,i "k ,i 0   
c>ri$ away by a s5se ( reality4 ,x seem$
 to me t wait]s made endless trips to & 
fro1 t "h & !re pretty girls broke into 
laught] con/antly or t m5 lean$ =w>d e  

o!r mom5t to make witty rem>ks2 9 fact  
,i felt g5u9ely sorry ,i c\ld n take "p 
9 ! fe/ivities4 ,i knew t dang]1 9 !    
p]son ( ! ,black ,t]ror z play$ by      
,%irley1 lurk$ j out ! w9d[4 ,i felt    
delici\s anticipatory ?rills ( fe>1 s   
?or\ghly 0 ,i 9 ! _s ( ! ?+4 ,!n ,i saw 
t ,w]n] 0 ab\t to propose ! toa/1 ab\t  
to give ! cue = ! big action4  ,wat* him
 :isp]$ ,k5n$y4 ,he's an actor4 ,he's   
tak+ t dr9k j z ?\gh he meant e drop (  
x4  ,w]n] _h rais$ 8 delicately /emm$   
glass z ?\gh to jo9 8 neighbor 9 "s     
pl$ge :5 a new idea seem$ to /rike him4 
,he leap$ to 8 feet4  ,let's dr9k       
toge!r6 ,let's dr9k to our h]o & h]o9e (
 ! ev5+6  ,o!r voices rose 9            
acclamation4 ,! w9e _h be5 p\r$ lavi%ly4
 ,glasses cl9k$ & we c\ld he> laught]4  
,sudd5ly at ! w9d[1 back ( ev]yone1     
appe>$ ! evil1 black-mask$ figure (     
,%irley1 eyes glitt]+ m5ac+ly f _!      
slits1 two weapons gli/5+ blue 9 8 h&s4 
,at ! same mom5t !re 0 a t]rible groan1 
foll[$ by a scream ( agony4 ,w]n] /agg]$

 back1 8 left h& clut*$ at 8 brea/4 ,f 8
 "r h& ! glass :i* he _h dra9$ fell to !
 canvas cov]$ floor ) an om9\s dull     
cra%4  ,?is 0 n 9 ! script6 ,practically
 ev]ybody realiz$ ! fact1 = ! sc5e      
in/antly 0 9 an upro>4 ,9 ! g5]al       
con/]nation no "o seem$ to "k j :at to  
d4  ,%irley 0 ! fir/ to act1 ! fir/ to  
realize :at _h happ5$4 ,dropp+ 8        
weapons1 rea*+ ! side ( ! /rick5        
director 9 "o leap1 he support$ him z he
 reel$ drunk5ly1 !n eas$ him to ! floor4
 ,beh9d u1 be=e ,i c\ld look to ,k5n$y  
to see :at he w\ld d1 !re 0 ! gasp ( a  
man out ( brea? f hurry+ up/airs4 ,i    
turn$1 />tl$4 ,x 0 ,mackay4  ,%all ,i   
make ! coll>8 he :eez$4 ,at ! same      
in/ant he saw ! ga!r+ cr[d 9 ! set4     
,:at--:at's happ5$8 he ask$4  ,k5n$y _h 
b\nd$ =w>d only a few seconds aft]      
,%irley4 ,z ,i pu%$ ?r\gh aft] him1     
,mackay foll[+1 ,i discov]$ him kneel+  
at ! side ( ,w]n]4  ,"s "o s5d = a      
doctor1 quick1 he comm&$1 tak+ *>ge (   
?+s z a matt] ( c\rse4 ,hurry6 he       

repeat$4 ,he's gasp+ = air & x'll be too
 late 9 a m9ute4  ,!n he saw u4         
,walt]--,mackay--he rais$ ,w]n]'s       
head--pu% ev]yone back1 please6 ,give   
him a *ance to brea!6  ,a ?\s& ?\ghts   
fla%$ ?r\gh my head z politely b firmly 
,i wid5$ ! space ab\t ,k5n$y & !        
director4 ,0 ?is a case ( suicide8 ,_h  
,w]n] kn[n we 7 com+ = him8 ,_h he ?\ght
 to br+ ab\t 8 own end 9 ! mo/          
spectacul> fa%ion possible8 ,0 ?is !    
fancy ( a drug-weak5$ bra98  ,sudd5ly ,i
 realiz$ t ,w]n] 0 try+ to speak4 ,"o ( 
! cam]a m5 _h help$ ,k5n$y lift him to !
 top ( a table1 swept ( its di%es & l951
 s z to make x easi] = him to brea!4    
,out 9 ,t>ryt[n1 he mutt]$1 weakly1 t   
night--,i suspect$--&--saw-- ,8 voice   
trail$ (f into no?+ness4 ,ev5 ! motion (
 8 lips 0 too feeble to foll[4  ,9 an   
in/ant ,i grasp$ ! cruel inju/ice ,i _h 
done ?is man 9 my m9d4 ,x 0 n[ t ,i     
rememb]$1 9 a fla%1 ,k5n$y's attitude & 
0 glad t ,k5n$y _h n suspect$ him4      
,see6 ,i fac$ ,mackay1 speak+ 9 quick1  

l[ tones s ! o!rs c\ld n he>4 ,i--we--h 
be5 totally & absolutely wrong 9        
suspect+ ,w]n]4 ,in/ead1 x 0 he :o has  
be5 play+ our game--try+ to confirm 8   
own suspicions4 ,i've be5 entirely wrong
 9 my d$uctions f ! discov]y ( 8 dope & 
ne$les4  ,:at d y mean1 ,jameson8 ,!    
di/rict attorney _h be5 tak5 completely 
(f 8 feet by ! unexpect$ developm5ts4 ,8
 eyes 7 r daz$1 8 expression baffl$4    
,:at d y mean8  ,:y he 0 out at ,t>ryt[n
 t night1 all "r1 don't y see--b--b he 0
 ! second man1 ! man :o wat*$6  ,mackay 
/ill seem$ unable to compreh5d4  ,!re 7 
two m51 ,i w5t on1 excit$ly2 cov]+ my   
own *agr9 9 my impati5ce at ! little    
di/rict attorney4 ,! "o y\r deputy      
/ruggl$ ) 0 %ort1 r ?an tall1 & v /rong4
 ,t's ,w]n]6 ,c't y see x8 ,hav5't y    
notic$ h[ /ockily & p[]fully ! director 
is built8  ,w]n] mu/ really h _h "s     
clue1 murmur$ ,mackay1 daz$4  ,x left me
 wond]+ :e!r ! /imulation ( ! dope might
 n h height5$ ,w]n]'s imag9ation & urg$ 
him on 9 foll[+ some?+ t our m sluggi%  

m9ds _h nev] ev5 dream$4  ,mean:ile ,i  
saw t ! doctor _h arriv$ & t ,k5n$y _h  
help$ c>ry ,w]n] to a dress+ room :]e   
fir/ aid c\ld be giv5 m conv5i5tly4 ,n[ 
,k5n$y hurri$ back into ! /udio1 glanc+ 
quickly ?is way & t1 z ?\gh to cat*     
signs ( confusion or guilt ^u ! faces ( 
^? ab\t u4  ,i color$4 ,in/ead ( mak+   
explanations to ,mackay1 explanations   
:i* c\ld h wait$1 ,i might h us$ :at    
faculties ( obs]vation ,i possess$ to   
aid ,k5n$y :ile he 0 giv+ fir/          
consid]ation to ! life ( a man4 ,z x 01 
,i didn't "k :at _h become ( any ( !    
v>i\s p ^u our li/ ( possible suspects4 
,z f> z ,i 0 conc]n$1 any or e sign &   
clue to ! attack ^u ,w]n] might h be5   
remov$ or de/roy$4  ,a sudd5 hu% caus$  
all ( u to turn t[>d ! door lead+ to !  
dress+ rooms4 ,x 0 ! physician4 ,he     
rais$ a h& = att5tion4 ,8 voice 0 l[1 b 
x c>ri$ to e corn] ( ! /udio3  ,mr4     
,w]n] is dead1 he ann\nc$4     ,,xxi    
,,m]le ,,%irley ,,ov]acts   ,appall$1 ,i
 wond]$ :o x 0 :o _h1 to cov] up "o     

crime1 committ$ ano!r8 ,:o _h /ruck d[n 
an innoc5t man to save a guilty neck8   
,k5n$y hurri$ to ! side ( ! physician & 
,i foll[$4  ,:at symptoms did y obs]ve8 
ask$ ,k5n$y1 quickly1 seek+ confirmation
 ( 8 own fir/ impressions4  ,8 m\? seem$
 dry & ,i %\ld say he suff]$ f a quick  
pro/ration4 ,!re seem$ to be a complete 
loss ( p[] to swall[ or speak4 ,! pupils
 7 dilat$ z ?\gh f p>alysis ( ! eyes4   
,bo? ph>ynx & l>ynx 7 affect$4 ,!re 0   
respiration p>alysis4 ,x seem$ also z   
?\gh ! cranial n]ves 7 p>tially p>alyz$4
 ,x 0 typically a condition due to "s   
toxic sub/ance :i* p>alyz$ & depress$   
c]ta9 areas ( ! body4  ,k5n$y nodd$4 ,t 
fits 9 ) a !ory ,i h4  ,i ?\ght quickly1
 !n inquir$2 ,c\ld x be ! snake v5om    
aga98  ,no1 ,k5n$y repli$1 %ak+ 8 head2 
!re's a diff]5ce 9 ! symptoms & !re is  
no m>k on any expos$ "p ( ! body1 z ne> 
z ,i c\ld see 9 a sup]ficial exam9ation4
  ,he turn$ to ! physician4 ,c\ld y give
 me blood sme>s & "s ( ! /oma* cont5ts1 
at once8 ,twice1 n[1 "s "o has be5      

/rick5 d[n be=e ! v eyes ( ! actors4    
,?is ?+ has gone too f> to trifle ) or  
delay a mom5t4  ,! doctor hurri$ (f t[>d
 ! dress+ room1 anxi\s to help ,k5n$y1 &
 z excit$1 ,i ?\ght1 z any ( u4 ,next   
,k5n$y fac$ me4  ,did y wat* ! p at all1
 ,walt]8  ,i--,i 0 too upset by !       
sudd5ness ( x1 ,i /amm]$4  ,all seem$ to
 h suspicion ( "s "o else1 & !re 0 a    
g5]al con/ra9t1 z ?\gh ev5 ! innoc5t    
fe>$ to d or say some?+ t might look or 
s\nd incrim9at+4  ,i turn$4 ,all 7 n[   
wat*+ e move we made1 ?\gh j yet none   
v5tur$ to foll[ u4 ,x 0 z ?\gh !y felt t
 to d s 0 l cross+ a dead l9e4 ,i wond]$
 :i* "o ( !m might be look+ at u ) inw>d
 trepidation--or p]haps satisfaction1 if
 !re _h be5 any *ance to remove any?+   
incrim9at+4  ,k5n$y /rode ov] t[>d !    
ill-fat$ set1 ,mackay & ,i at 8 heels4  
,z we mov$ across ! floor ,i notic$ t   
ev]yone clu/]$ z close z he d>$1 afraid1
 seem+ly1 ( any action :i* might h9d] ! 
inve/igation1 yet unwill+ to miss any   
detail ( ,k5n$y's me?od4 ,9 contra/ ) ! 

clamor & racket ( less ?an a half h\r   
previ\sly !re 0 n[ a dea?like /illness  
b5ea? ! ar*$ gr\nd-glass ro(4 ,! heat 0 
m oppressive ?an ev] be=e4 ,9 ! faces & 
expressions ( ! aw$ witnesses ( dea?'s  
swift h& !re 0 horror1 & a gr[+ fe>4 ,no
 "o spoke1 except 9 :isp]s4 ,:5 anybody 
mov$ x 0 on tiptoe1 cauti\sly4 ,mill>d's
 creation1 ,! ,black ,t]ror1 c\ld h     
inspir$ no dread great] ?an ?is4  ,( ! p
 we wi%$ to /udy1 ,phelps caught our    
eyes ! fir/4 ,deject$1 cru%$1 utt]ly    
disc\rag$1 he 0 sl\*$ d[n 9 a *air j at 
! edge ( ! suppos$ banquet hall4 ,i _h  
no d\bt ( ! nature ( 8 ?\ghts4 ,!re 0   
probably only ! mo/ p]functory sympa?y =
 ! /rick5 director4 ,)\t "q 8 m9d ran to
 doll>s4 ,! doll>-angle to ?is trag$y 0 
t ! dea? ( ,w]n] 0 simply ano!r /ep 9 ! 
wreck+ ( ,manton ,pictures4 ,k5n$y1 ,i  
saw1 h>dly gave him a pass+ glance4     
,manton we obs]v$ ne> ! door4 ,) !      
possible exception ( ,mill>d he seem$   
ab\t ! lea/ conc]n$4 ,! two1 sc5>io     
writ] & produc]1 _h c\nt]feit$ !        

melodrama ( life s (t5 9 _! productions 
t ev5 ! second s9i/] *apt] 9 ?is film   
my/]y fail$ to p5etrate _! sang-froid4  
,inw>dly !y may h felt z deeply z any ( 
! re/1 b bo? ma9ta9$ _! outw>d          
composure4  ,on ,manton's %\ld]s 0 !    
responsibility = ! picture4 ,i c\ld see 
t he 0 n]v\s1 irritable2 yet1 z v>i\s   
employees approa*$ = _! in/ructions 9   
?is em]g5cy he nev] lo/ 8 grasp (       
affairs4 ,9 ! vibrant quiet ( ?is /udio 
*amb]1 /ill "u ! %ad[ ( trag$y1 we      
witness$ z cold-blood$ a bit ( bus9ess  
g5]al%ip z has ev] come to my k4 ,we    
ov]he>d1 because ,manton's voice c>ri$  
across to u 9 ! /illness4  ,kauf6 ,! "n 
,i rememb]$ z t ( ! te*nical1 or art1   
director "u ,w]n]1 responsible = ! sets 
( ,! ,black ,t]ror4  ,yes1 ,mr4 ,manton6
 ,kauf 0 a slim1 /oop-%\ld]$ man1 gray1 
& a dynamo ( en]gy 9 a quiet1 subs]vi5t 
way4 ,he ran to ,manton's side4         
,rememb] once tell+ me y want$ to become
 a director1 t y want$ to make pictures 
= me8  ,yes1 sir6  ,y are famili> ) !   

script ( ',! ,black ,t]ror1' ar5't y8 ,y
 "k ! p & h[ !y "w & y h sets l9$ up4   
,h[ w\ld y l to f9i% ! direction8       
,b--b-- ,to ! cr$it ( ! little man he   
dabb$ at 8 eyes4 ,i guess he _h be5 fond
 ( 8 imm$iate sup]ior4 ,mr4--,mr4 ,w]n] 
is d-dead-- he /amm]$4  ,( c\rse6       
,manton's voice rose slightly4 ,if ,w]n]
 wasn't dead ,i w\ldn't ne$ ano!r       
director at a mom5t's notice4 ,"s "o has
 to complete ',! ,black ,t]ror4' ,we h  
all ^! p on sal>y1 & all ! /udio exp5se1
 & ! release date's settl$1 s t we c't  
/op4 ,x's y\r *ance1 ,kauf6 ,d y want x8
  ,y-yes1 sir6  ,good6 ,i'll d\ble y\r  
sal>y1 includ+ all ?is week4 ,n[ c y    
f9i% ?is banquet set to-night1 :ile y h 
! p--  ,to-night6 ,kauf's eyes w5t wide1
 !n he />t$ to flu%4  ,well1 to-morr[1  
!n6 ,we simply c't lay (f a day1 ,kauf6 
,all--all "r1 sir6  ,x seem$ to me t    
ev]yone 9 ! place s5s$ ! horror ( ?is4  
,lit]ally1 actually1 ,w]n]'s body c\ld n
 be cold4 ,ev5 ! police1 ! m$ical       
exam9]1 _h n _h suffici5t "t to make !  

trip out = _! inve/igation4 ,yet !      
director's successor _h be5 appo9t$ &   
told to hurry ! production4  ,i glanc$  
at ,phelps4 ,he rais$ 8 head sl[ly1 8   
expression lift+ at ! ?\ght t production
 0 to cont9ue )\t int]ruption4 ,9 ano!r 
mom5t1 h[ev]1 !re 0 a *ange 9 8 face4 ,8
 eyes s\ght ,manton & h>d5$4 ,8 m\?     
tight5$4 ,hate1 a deep1 unreason+ hate1 
settl$ into 8 features4  ,k5n$y1 paus+ j
 long en\gh to obs]ve ! promot]'s       
appo9tm5t ( ,kauf to ,w]n]'s position1  
cont9u$ on t[>d ! set4 ,n[ z ,i look$   
ab\t ,i saw t ,jack ,gordon 0 miss+1 z  
well z ,m>ilyn ,lor+4 ,presumably !y _h 
gone to _! dress+ rooms4 ,all ! o!r     
actors & actresses 7 wait+1 ill at ease1
 wond]+ at ! outcome ( ! trag$y4        
,sudd5ly ,k5n$y /opp$ & ,i grasp$ t x 0 
! peculi> actions ( ,m]le ,%irley :i* _h
 halt$ him4  ,! heavy man 0 ! only "o ( 
! company actually 9 ! fabricat$ banquet
 hall itself4 ,cl++ to him /ill 7 ! grim
 fl[+ robes ( ! ,black ,t]ror4 ,z ?\gh  
he 7 "s old-fa%ion$ trag$ian1 he 0 pac+ 

up & d[n1 h&s beh9d 8 back1 head b[$1   
eyes on ! floor4 ,m1 he 0 mumbl+ to     
himself4 ,x 0 evid5t1 h[ev]1 t x 0 nei!r
 a pose nor m5tal ab]ration4 ,%irley 0  
se>*+ = some?+1 out 9 ! op51 )\t attempt
 at concealm5t1 swe>+ s(tly at 8 lack ( 
success4  ,k5n$y pu%$ =w>d4 ,did y lose 
some?+1 ,mr4 ,%irley8  ,no6 ,! heavy man
 /raight5$4 ,z he drew himself up 9 8   
s9i/] g>b ,i ?\ght aga9 ( ! *eap actors 
( a day :5 mov+ pictures _h yet to      
pre-empt ! field ( ! lurid melodrama4 ,x
 seem$ to me t ,m]le ,%irley 0 ov]act+1 
t x 0 impossible = him to be s wr\ght up
 ov] ! slay+ ( a man :o1 aft] all1 0    
only 8 director1 c]ta9ly n a close nor  
an intimate relation%ip4  ,mr4 ,k5n$y1  
he /at$1 pond]\sly1 !re has be5 a second
 dea?1 & at ! h& :i* /ruck d[n ,/ella   
,lam> 9 ,t>ryt[n4 ,some:]e 9 ?is banquet
 hall int]ior !re is a clue to ! murd]]4
 ,i h kept a c>eful wat* s t no?+ might 
be di/urb$4  ,d y suspect anyone8 ,k5n$y
 ask$4 ,%irley glanc$ away & we knew he 
0 ly+4 ,no1 n def9itely4  ,:o has be5 9 

! set s9ce ,i left ) ! doctor8  ,no "o  
except myself1 t is--,%irley want$ to   
make x cle>--no "o has _h any           
opportunity to hide or move or take or  
*ange a ?+1 because ,i h be5 "r "h all !
 "t4  ,i see6 ,?anks1 &--,k5n$y seem$   
g5u9ely apologetic--if y don't m9d--,i  
w\ld pref] to make my inve/igation      
alone4  ,%irley turn$ on 8 heel & made =
 8 dress+ room4  ,mean:ile ,i _h notic$ 
a bit ( by-play betwe5 ,enid ,faye &    
,lawr5ce ,mill>d1 ! only o!rs ( our     
possible suspects ab\t4 ,enid fir/ _h   
caught my eye because %e seem$ to be    
plead+ ) ! writ]1 try+ to hold him4 ,i  
ga!r$ f ! look ( disgu/ on ,mill>d's    
face t he want$ to get ,%irley out ( !  
set be=e ,k5n$y %\ld obs]ve ! heavy     
man's odd reaction to ! trag$y4 ,:ile ,i
 _h nev] se5 ,mill>d & ,%irley toge!r1 s
 z to e/abli% 9 m9d ! /ate ( _! feel+s  
t[>d ea* o!r1 ?is w\ld seem to indicate 
t !y 7 fri5dly4 ,c]ta9ly ,%irley 0 mak+ 
a fool ( himself4 ,enid act$1 ,i guess$1
 s z to prev5t ,mill>d's int]f]5ce1     

probably ) ! idea t ,mill>d 9 "s fa%ion 
might br+ suspicion ^u himself4 ,x /ruck
 me t ,enid _h a :olesome respect =     
,k5n$y4  ,at any rate1 ,mill>d wat*$ !  
little sc5e betwe5 ,k5n$y & ,%irley ) a 
quizzical expression4 ,z ,%irley left he
 %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s1 !n he gave ,enid's    
*eeks a playful p9* ea* & />t$ out aft] 
! heavy man 9 leisurely fa%ion4  ,j ab\t
 ! same mom5t ,k5n$y call$ me to 8 side4
  ,walt]1 he plead$1 9 a l[ voice1 w y  
hurry out to ! dress+ room :]e ! doctor 
& ,i took ,w]n] & get ! blood sme>s &   
sample ( ! /oma* cont5ts8 ,i don't want 
to leave ?is1 because we mu/ "w fa/ &   
get all ! data we ne$ be=e ! police     
arrive4 ,) p]haps a hundr$ p to "q !y'll
 be apt to make a f9e mess ( ev]y?+4    
,?is is an outly+ prec9ct :]e we'll draw
 ! amateurs1 y "k4  ,i saw t ,mackay 0  
help+ him & s ,i left *e]fully1 mak+ my 
way z fa/ z ,i c\ld t[>d ! door ?r\gh   
:i* bo? ,%irley & ,mill>d _h pass$4  ,9 
! hallway ( ! build+ devot$ to dress+   
rooms ,i f\nd t ,i did n "k :i* "o      

conta9$ ,w]n]'s body4 ,?is corridor 0   
famili>4 ,"h ,k5n$y & ,i _h wait$ =     
,m>ilyn ,lor+ & _h witness$ ! sc5e      
betwe5 ,%irley & h]self4 ,n[ ,i did n   
ev5 rememb] ! location ( h] room4  ,at  
la/1 on a *ance1 ,i tri$ a door s(tly4  
,f )9 came :isp]$ voices ( deep         
int5sity4 ,ab\t to close x quickly1 ,i  
realiz$ sudd5ly t ,i recogniz$ ! speak]s
 9 spite ( ! :isp]s4 ,x 0 ,m>ilyn &     
,%irley4 ,!y 7 toge!r4 ,n[ ,i recollect$
 ! figur$ *9tz :i* cov]$ ! wall & 0 to  
be se5 ?r\gh ! crack made by ! op5 door4
 ,x 0 h] room4 ,!y _h n he>d my h& on ! 
knob1 nor ! cat*1 did n "k t anyone c\ld
 eavesdrop4  ,y see6 ,h] tones 7 ! m    
vibrant ,y wait$6  ,i _h to6  ,no6 ,i   
advis$ y to act at once4  ,i c\ldn't6 ,i
 c't ev5 n[6  ,all "r6 ,h] tone became  
bitt]4 ,g ahead1 y\r own way4 ,b y mu/  
c\nt ! co/4 ,y may lose me aga91 ,m]le  
,%irley4  ,h[ d y mean8  ,h] answ]1 9 ! 
fa9te/ ( :isp]s1 /agg]$ me4  ,if y h !  
blood ( ano!r man on y\r h&s ,i'm ?r\gh4
     ,,xxii  ,,! ,,/em   ,?\gh my h&s   

trembl$ s t ,i c\ld h>dly control !m1 ,i
 manag$ to close ! door s(tly & to back 
away d[n ! hall )\t be+ discov]$4 ,my   
head 0 sp9n+ & ,i 0 dizzy4 ,) my own e>s
 ,i _h he>d ,m>ilyn ,lor+ virtually     
betray ! guilt ( ! man %e lov$ & :om    
!re=e %e _h tri$ to %ield4 ,if y h !    
blood ( ano!r man on y\r h&s-- ,:at m   
c\ld ,k5n$y want8  ,i />t$ to run t[>d !
 /udio4 ,!n recollection ( my err& /opp$
 me4 ,k5n$y wi%$ ! blood sme>s & /oma*  
cont5ts & 0 anxi\s to get !m be=e !     
arrival ( ! police4 ,at fir/ ,i ?\ght t 
all su* evid5ce w\ld be unnecess>y n[1  
aft] ! dialogue ,i _h ov]he>d1 b x /ruck
 me z an aft]?\ght t x might be necess>y
 /ill to prove ,%irley's guilt to !     
satisfaction ( a c\rt & jury1 & s ,i    
ru%$ to ! next dress+ room & to ano!r1  
until ,i locat$ ! doctor & ! body ( !   
dead man4  ,) ! little package = ,k5n$y 
safely 9 my pocket ,i hurri$ out aga9   
into ! swelt]+ heat b5ea? ! glass ( !   
big /udio1 & to ! side ( ,k5n$y &       
,mackay 9 ! banquet-hall set4  ,y h a   

sample ( ea* article ( food n[8 he 0    
ask+ ! di/rict attorney4 ,y are sure y h
 miss$ no?+8  ,z f> z possible ,i took  
my samples f ! table :]e ,w]n] sat1     
,mackay expla9$4 ,:5 ! prop4 boy gets "h
 ) an empty bottle & cork ,i'll h a     
sample ( ! w9e4 ,i ?9k x's ! w9e1 he    
add$4  ,k5n$y turn$ to me4 ,y've got--  
,9 my pocket6 ,i int]rupt$4 ,!n1 r      
brea?lessly1 ,i repeat$ ! conv]sation ,i
 _h ov]he>d4  ,good ,"l6 ,mackay flu%$4 
,!re x is6 ,%irley's ! man1 & ,i'll take
 him n[1 quick1 )\t wait+ = a w>rant4   
,see6 ,i ejaculat$1 to ,k5n$y4 ,he kill$
 ,/ella because %e made a fool ( him &  
!n1 :5 ,w]n] discov]$ t & foll[$ him to 
,t>ryt[n ! o!r night1 x probably put him
 9 a panic ( fe>1 & s1 to keep ,w]n] f  
talk+--  ,easy1 ,walt]6 ,n s fa/6 ,:at y
 ov]he>d is insuffici5t gr\nd =         
,%irley's conviction1 unless y c\ld make
 him confess1 & ,i d\bt y c\ld make him 
d t4  ,:y8 ,?is 0 ,mackay4  ,because ,i 
don't ?9k he's guilty4 ,at lea/--,k5n$y1
 z always1 0 cauti\s 9 8 /atem5ts1 n s  

f> z any?+ we n[ "k w\ld indicate4  ,b 8
 ang] at ,/ella1 ,i prote/$1 & ,m>ilyn's
 rem>k--'  ,miss ,lam>'s dea? 0 ! result
 ( a cool1 unfeel+ plan1 n pique or     
ang]4 ,! same cruel1 c>eful bra9 execut$
 ?is second crime4  ,mackay1 ,i saw1 0  
?ree-qu>t]s conv9c$ by ,k5n$y4 ,h[ d y  
acc\nt = ! dialogue ,jameson ov]he>d8 he
 ask$4  ,miss ,lor+ told u t ,%irley    
suspect$ "s "o & 0 wat*+1 & w\ld n tell 
h] or anyone else :o x 04 ,x seems mo/  
likely to me t x is ! tru?1 ,mackay4 ,9 
t case h] rem>k means t %e believes 8   
sil5ce 9 a way is responsible = ,w]n]'s 
dea?4  ,oh6 ,if ,%irley _h tak5 y into 8
 confid5ce1 = in/ance--8  ,i might      
possibly h succe$$ 9 ga9+ suffici5t     
evid5ce = an arre/1 ?us av]t+ ?is       
trag$y4 ,b x is only a !ory ( m9e4  ,i  
sc[l$4 ,x seem$ to me t ,k5n$y 0 m9imiz+
 ?+s 9 a way unusual = him4 ,i wond]$ if
 he really ?\ght ! heavy man innoc5t4   
,x's /ill my belief t ,%irley is guilty1
 ,i ass]t$4  ,a s\nd ( confusion f !    
c\rty>d b5ea? ! heavy /udio w9d[s caught

 ,k5n$y's e> & end$ ! colloquy4 ,f "s ( 
^? ne> en\gh to look out we receiv$ !   
explanation4 ,! police _h arriv$1 fully 
?ree-qu>t]s ( an h\r aft] ,w]n]'s dea?4 
,i'll get ! little bottle ( w9e1 sure1  
,mackay murmur$1 pick+ up ! food samples
 he _h wrapp$ & cr[d+ ! bulky package   
into a pocket4  ,i don't see :y t w\ld h
 be5 any easi] to poison ?an ! food1 0  
my objection4 ,ev]yone 0 look+4  ,v     
simple4 ,! food 0 br\ght 9 q late4      
,besides1 x 0 di%$ out by ! cat]] be=e !
 eyes ( =ty or fifty p or m & !re 0 no  
tell+ :i* plate w\ld g to ,w]n]'s place4
 ,! dr9ks 7 p\r$ la/ ( all4 ,i rememb]  
see+ ! bubbles rise & wond]+ :e!r !y    
w\ld regi/] at ! di/ance4  ,k5n$y did n 
look at me4 ,did x ev] occur to y1 he   
w5t on1 casually1 t ! glasses 7 all set 
out empty at ! v>i\s places long be=e1 &
 t !re might easily h be5 a few drops ( 
some?+1 if x 7 colorless1 plac$ 9 !     
bottom ( ,w]n]'s glass1 ) sc>cely a     
*ance ( its be+ discov]$1 especially by 
a man :o _h s mu* on 8 m9d at ! "t z    

,w]n] _h8 ,he mu/ h indicat$ :]e he w\ld
 sit :5 he arrang$ ! cam]a /&s & !      
location ( ! tables4  ,i _h n ?\ght ( t4
  ,k5n$y fr[n$4 ,if only ,i c\ld h      
locat$ m ( t brok5 glass6 ,z he fac$ me 
,i c\ld read 8 disappo9tm5t4 ,walt]1    
,i've made a mo/ c>eful se>* ( 8 *air & 
! table & ev]y?+ ab\t ! space :]e he    
dropp$4 ,! poison mu/ h be5 9 ! w9e1 b  
!re's n a t9y sliv] ( t glass left1 no?+
 b a ?\s& bits gr\nd into ! canvas1 too 
small to hold ev5 a drop ( ! liquid4 ,j 
?9k1 a dri$ /a9 ( ! w9e1 no matt] h[    
t9y1 might h s]v$ me 9 a *emical        
analysis4  ,v sudd5ly !re 0 a l[        
exclamation f ,mackay4 ,look6 ,quick6   
,"s "o mu/ h kick$ x way ov] "h6  ,fully
 tw5ty feet f ,w]n]'s place 9 ! gl>e ( !
 lights 0 ! holl[ /em ( a *ampagne      
glass1 its base intact save = a n>r[    
segm5t4 ,9 ! /em /ill 7 a c\ple ( drops 
( ! w9e1 z if 9 a bulb or tube4  ,c x be
 ! director's glass8 ,mackay ask$1 h&+ x
 to ,k5n$y4  ,k5n$y slipp$ x into 8     
pocket1 fuss+ ) 8 h&k]*ief s t ! preci\s

 cont5ts w\ld n drip out4 ,i ?9k s4 ,i  
d\bt :e!r any o!r glass 0 brok54 ,v]ify 
x quickly4  ,! police 7 ent]+ n[ )      
,manton4 ,foll[+ !m 0 ! physician4      
,mackay & ,i asc]ta9$ readily t no o!r  
glass _h be5 %att]$1 :ile ,k5n$y se>*$ !
 floor = possible signs t ! /em 0 "p ( a
 glass brok5 :]e we _h f\nd x4          
,unque/ionably we _h a sample ( ! actual
 w9e quaff$ by ! un=tunate ,w]n]4 ,elat$
 we /roll$ to a corn] s z to give !     
police full *>ge4  ,!y'll wa/e "t       
que/ion+ ev]yone1 ,k5n$y rem>k$4 ,i h ! 
real evid5ce4 ,he tapp$ 8 pocket4  ,!   
few mom5ts t he _h _h to himself _h be5 
ample = him to obta9 su* evid5ce z 0    
de/roy$ 9 s _m cases by ! "t he 0 call$ 
^u ! sc5e4  ,a po9t occurr$ to me4 ,y   
don't ?9k ! poison 0 plant$ lat] dur+ ! 
excitem5t8  ,h>dly6 ,our crim9al is too 
clev] to take a long *ance4 ,9 su* a    
case we w\ld "k x 0 "s "o ne> ,w]n] &   
also !re w\ld be too _m p wat*+4        
,foolh>d9ess is n boldness4  ,i took to 
obs]v+ ! me?ods ( ! police1 :i* 7 highly

 effici5t1 b only 9 ! m9ut5ess ( !      
exam9ation ( witnesses & 9 ! c>e ) :i*  
!y record$ names & facts & made sure t  
no "o _h slipp$ away to avoid !         
notoriety4  ,! actors & actresses :o _h 
/ood r 9 awe ( ,k5n$y1 bo? "h & 9       
,k5n$y's inve/igation at ,t>ryt[n1      
develop$ nimble tongues 9 _! answ]s to !
 city detectives4 ,! result 0 a p]fect  
maze ( conflict+ v]sions ( ,w]n]'s cry &
 fall4 ,9 fact1 "o sc5e %ift] insi/$ t  
,%irley1 z ! ,black ,t]ror1 _h rea*$    
,w]n]'s side & _h /ruck him be=e ! cry1 
:ile an extra girl ) a fa9t lisp        
describ$ ) sob]+ accuracy ! flight ( a  
my/]i\s missile ?r\gh ! air4 ,i realiz$ 
!n :y ,k5n$y _h made no ef=t to "q !m4  
,"u ! excitem5t ( ! sc5e1 ! glam\r ( !  
lights1 ! s5se ( illusion1 & ! /ifl+    
heat1 x w\ld h be5 /range = any ( ! p to
 h reta9$ correct impressions ( ! ev5t4 
,! police s]geant knew ,k5n$y by        
reputation & approa*$ him aft] a visit  
to ! dead man's body ) ! doctor4 ,8     
glance1 includ+ ,mackay & myself1 0     

frankly triumphant4  ,well1 he exclaim$1
 ,i don't suppose x occurr$ to any ( y  
,,sci5tific guys to se>* ! fell[1 n[ did
 x8  ,k5n$y smil$1 9 good humor4 ,se>*+ 
a man isn't always ! sci5tific me?od4 ,y
 won't f9d ! ^w 'frisk' 9 any sci5tific 
diction>y4  ,no8 ,! police (fic]'s eyes 
tw9kl$4 ,!re 0 en\gh ( ! ,iri% 9 him to 
enjoy an enc\nt] ( ?is k9d4 ,maybe n1 b 
y might f9d ?+s 9 a *ap's pocket :i* is 
bett]4 ,) a fl\ri% he produc$ a         
hypod]mic syr+e1 ! duplicate ( ! "o ,i  
_h appropriat$1 & a t9y bottle4 ,! man's
 a dope1 he add$4  ,i knew t1 repli$    
,k5n$y4 ,i exam9$ 8 arm1 :]e he usually 
took 8 %ots1 & f\nd no fre% m>k ( !     
ne$le4  ,t doesn't prove any?+4 ,wait   
until ! m$ical exam9] gets "h4 ,he'll   
f9d ! fell['s he>t all %ot full ( hop1  
or some?+4 ,i guess x isn't s           
complicat$1 aft] all4 ,he 0 a hop fi5d1 
all "r4  ,/ill1 !re's no?+ to indicate t
 he 0 a suicide4  ,n suicide2           
accid5t-ov]dose1 0 ! s]geant's reply4   
,h[ c\ld he h di$ f an ov]dose ( ! drug1

 :5 he hasn't tak5 any rec5tly8         
,well--unaba%$--!n he croak$ because he 
hadn't _h a %ot--! same ?+4 ,he>t       
failure1 ei!r way4 ,excit$1 & all1 y "k1
 mak+ ! sc5e4 ,maybe he =got to use !   
ne$le at t4  ,p]haps y're "r4 ,k5n$y    
%rugg$ calmly4 ,:at 0 ! use ( disput+ ! 
matt]8  ,i />t$ to prote/ aga9/ !       
detective's hypo!sis4 ,! idea ( any drug
 addict ev] =gett+ to take 8 /imulant 0 
too prepo/]\s4 ,b ,k5n$y *eck$ me4 ,all 
7 n[ ke5ly li/5+ to ! argum5t4 ,bett]1  
p]haps1 to let "s "o ?9k t no?+ 0       
suspect$ ?an to disclose ! c>ds 9       
,craig's h&4 ,i saw t he wi%$ to get    
away & _h n spok5 s]i\sly4 ,he turn$ to 
,mackay4  ,walt] & ,i w h to hurry to ! 
laboratory4 ,w\ld y l to come along8  ,y
 bet ,i w\ld6 ,! di/rict attorney %[$ 8 
delight4 ,i 0 j go+ to ask if ,i might d
 s4 ,!re's no?+ = me 9 ,t>ryt[n to-day &
 ?is is out ( my jurisdiction4  ,z we   
turn$ away ! police s]geant saw u &     
call$ across ! floor1 n q conceal+ a t\*
 ( pr(essional jeal\sy4  ,! ?ree ( y 7  

"h at ! "t1 w]5't y8  ,no1 ,k5n$y       
answ]$4 ,mr4 ,jameson & myself4  ,well1 
y two1 !n6 ,y're witnesses & ,i'll ask y
 to hold y\rself 9 read9ess to appe> at 
! he>+4  ,i ?\ght t ! policeman 0       
p>ticul>ly delight$ at 8 position to    
issue ord]s to ,k5n$y1 & ,i 0 ang]$4    
,aga9 ,craig held me 9 *eck6  ,we'll be 
glad to tell any?+ we "k1 he repli$1 !n 
add$ a little fl+1 a bit ( s>casm :i*   
almo/ w5t ov] ! o!r's head4 ,t is1 he   
am5d$1 z eye-witnesses6     ,,xxiii     
,,botul9 ,,tox9   ,mackay drove u to !  
laboratory 9 8 little c> & x 0 d>k & we 
7 d9n]less :5 we arriv$4 ,kn[+ ,k5n$y's 
habits1 ,i s5t out = s&wi*es & />t$ 9 to
 make /rong c(fee ^u an electric        
p]colator4 ,! aroma t+l$ 9 my no/rils1  
rem9d+ me t ,i 0 g5u9ely hungry4 ,!     
di/rict attorney1 too1 seem$ m or less  
simil>ly dispos$4  ,z = ,k5n$y1 he 0    
int]e/$ 9 no?+ b ! problem be=e him4 ,he
 _h be5 /rangely quiet on ! way1 gr[+ m 
& m impati5t & n]v\s1 z ?\gh ! elem5t ( 
"t _h ent]$ into ! case1 z ?\gh ha/e 7  

sudd5ly imp]ative4 ,once ! lights 7 on 9
 ! laboratory he hurri$ ab\t 8 v>i\s    
prep>ations4 ,! food samples he laid    
out1 b he gave !m no att5tion4 ,! blood 
sme>s & /oma* cont5ts he put aside =    
future ref]5ce4 ,8 attack 0 ^u ! drop or
 two ( liquid adh]+ to ! /em ( ! brok5  
*ampagne glass4  ,! entire *emical      
proc$ure seem$ to be incompreh5sible to 
,mackay & he 0 fasc9at$1 s t he _h      
consid]able tr\ble at times keep+ out ( 
! way ( ,k5n$y's elb[4 ,k5n$y fir/ wa%$ 
! /em out c>efully ) a few drops (      
di/ill$ wat]1 !n he /udi$ ! result+     
solution4 ,"o aft] ano!r he tri$ ! ?+s t
 occurr$ to him1 mak+ te/s :olly        
unproductive ( results4 ,sl[ly !        
laboratory table became litt]$          
completely ) *emicals & app>atus ( all  
sorts1 a v]itable ars5al ( glass4  ,!   
s&wi*es arriv$1 b ,k5n$y refus$ to drop 
8 inve/igation = a mom5t4 ,i did succe$ 
9 mak+ him take a cup ( /rong c(fee1 & t
 0 all4 ,ov] 9 a corn] ,mackay & ,i did 
full ju/ice to ! food1 f9i%+ ! hot &    

welcome c(fee & !n refill+ ! p]colator &
 />t+ x on ! mak+ ( a second brew4 ,!   
h\rs l5g!n$1 & :5 ,mackay grew tir$ (   
wat*+ ) int5se admiration he jo9$ me 9 !
 pati5t consumption ( innum]able        
cig>ettes4  ,k5n$y 0 fill$ ) ! joy (    
discov]y4 ,i notic$ t he did n /op ev5 =
 ! solace ( tobacco4 ,x seem$ to me t at
 times 8 no/rils dilat$ exactly l ^? ( a
 h\nd on ! sc5t4 ,f9ally he held up a   
te/ tube & turn$ to u4  ,:at is x8 ,i   
ask$4 ,"s o!r poison z r>e & little kn[n
 z ! snake v5om8  ,no--some?+ mu* m     
curi\s4 ,9 ! /em ( ! glass ,i f9d ! tox9
 ( ! ,bacillus botul9us4  ,g]ms8 ,mackay
 inquir$4  ,k5n$y %ook 8 head4 ,n g]ms1 
b ! pure tox91 ! poison secret$ by ?is  
bacillus4  ,:at does x d8 0 my "q4      
,well1 ?\ghtfully1 botulism may be rank$
 easily among ! mo/ s]i\s diseases kn[n 
to m$ical sci5ce4 ,x is h>d to und]/& :y
 x is n a great deal m common4 ,x is "o 
( ! mo/ dang]\s k9ds ( food poison+4    
,!n ! apple juice !y us$ = ! w9e 0 bad1 
spoil$8  ,no1 n t4 ,w]n] 0 ! only "o    

/rick54 ,somebody put ! pure tox9 9 8   
glass4 ,x 01 z ,i suspect$1 delib]ate   
murd]1 z 9 ! case ( ,miss ,lam>4        
,bacillus botul9us produces a tox9 t is 
extremely virul5t4 ,h>dly m ?an a       
t5-?\s&? ( a cubic c5timet] w\ld kill a 
gu9ea pig4 ,?is 0 botul9 itself1 ! pure 
tox91 an alkaloid j l t :i* is =m$ 9    
meat & o!r food products 9 cases (      
botulism4 ,! idea might also h be5 to   
make ! dea? seem natural--due solely to 
bad food4  ,d y suppose x 0 us$ because 
x 0 quick & 0 colorless1 s z n to be    
notic$ 9 ! glass8 ,i haz>d$4  ,k5n$y    
pac$ up & d[n ! laboratory sev]al times 
9 ?\ght4 ,to me1 ,walt]1 ?is is ano!r   
indication ( ! satanic clev]ness ( !    
unkn[n crim9al 9 ! case4 ,fir/ ,miss    
,lam> is to be kill$4 ,= t purpose      
some?+ 0 s\ght1 probably1 :i* c\ld n be 
trac$ easily to ! p]petrator4 ,9 snake  
v5om an ag5t 0 employ$ :i* may be said  
to be almo/ ideal = ! grim bus9ess (    
murd]4 ,x is extremely difficult to     
id5tify 9 its results1 x is comp>atively

 unkn[n1 yet x is swift 9 action & to be
 obta9$ ) fair ease4  ,diff]+ f mo/     
poisons1 x may be inflict$ ?r\gh a prick
 s slight z to be almo/ unnotic$ by !   
victim4 ,! s*eme ( fix+ ! ne$le 9 !     
curta9 0 s simple & yet s effective t ! 
guilty p]son ne$ nev] h fe>$ its        
discov]y "u ord9>y circum/ances1 or its 
association ) ! girl's dea?1 if "s "o   
/umbl$ ^u x accid5tally4 ,! idea (      
return+ = ! dea?-deal+ po9t 0 only "o ( 
! _m details ( a precaution>y measure ^u
 :i* we h /umbl$4 ,_h ,i f\nd x ! next  
morn+ ,i w\ld h be5 unable1 9 all       
probability1 to id5tify x z belong+ to  
or z obta9$ by any ( our suspects4  ,y  
mu/ realize1 ,walt]1 t ) all ! sci5tific
 aids ,i h be5 able to br+ to be> we    
possess almo/ no direct evid5ce4 ,!re   
are no f+]pr9ts1 no cig>ette /ubs1 no   
array ( p]sonal1 intimate clues ( any   
sort to ?is crim9al4 ,^! are ! ?reads   
:i* lead ! detective to 8 qu>ry 9       
fiction & on ! /age4 ,"h we lack ev5 !  
fa9te/ description ( ! man1 or woman if 

t is h] sex4 ,x is murd] f a di/ance1   
plann$ ) almo/ meticul\s c>e1 execut$   
coolly & )\t feel+ or scruple4  ,aft] ! 
dea? ( ,miss ,lam> ,i 0 n s sure b t !  
selection ( ! snake v5om 0 simply !     
inspiration ( a p]v]t$ bra91 ! evolution
 ( ! detail$ me?od ( kill+ h]--an       
outgr[? ( someone's famili>ity ) /udio  
life 9 g5]al1 ) ! script ( ',! ,black   
,t]ror' 9 p>ticul>4 ,n[ ,i realize t we 
are face to face ) ! /udi$ h&iwork ( a  
skill$ crim9al4 ,^! two dea?s may be    
8--or h]--fir/ dep>ture into ! realm (  
crime4 ,b pot5tially we h a sup]-villa94
  ,i make t /atem5t because ( ! mann] ( 
,w]n]'s demise4 ,x is evid5t t !        
director /umbl$ on a clue to ! murd]]4  
,if my fir/ hypo!sis _h be5 correct1 if 
! use ( snake v5om & ! unlucky ?irte5?  
sc5e _h be5 l>gely a matt] ( bl9d *ance 
9 ! selection ( poison & me?od1 !n we   
might h expect$ ,w]n] to be /ruck d[n 9 
"s d>k /reet1 or p]haps decoy$ to 8     
dea?--at ! be/1 inoculat$ ) ! same      
crotal9 :i* _h kill$ ,miss ,lam>4  ,b   

let u analyze ! me?od us$ 9 slay+ !     
director4 ,if he _h be5 blackjack$ !re  
w\ld be ! clue ( ! weapon1 always likely
 to turn up1 ! *ance ( witnesses1 & also
 ! likelihood 9 an extreme case t ,w]n] 
might n die at once1 b might talk & give
 a description ( 8 assailant1 or ev5    
survive4 ,mu* ! same objections--f !    
crim9al's /&po9t--obta9 9 ne>ly all !   
accept$ modes ( kill+ a man4 ,ev5 ! use 
( v5om a second "t possesses !          
disadvantage ( a c]ta9 al]tness aga9/ ! 
v ?+ on ! "p ( ! victim4 ,w]n] 0 a dope 
fi5d1 fully aw>e ( ! pot5cy ( a t9y sk9 
puncture4 ,i'll wag] he 0 on con/ant    
gu>d aga9/ any sort ( scrat*4  ,on ! o!r
 h&1 ! few drops ( tox9 9 ! glass       
possess$ e advantage f ! unkn[n's       
/&po9t4 ,x 0 invisible1 & z sure 9 its  
action z ! v5om4 ,also x 0 z r>e & z    
difficult to trace4 ,=1 rememb] ?is4    
,botulism is food poison+4 ,if ,i _h n  
f\nd ! /em ( t glass x w\ld be          
absolutely impossible to %[ t ,w]n] di$ 
f any?+ on e>? b bad food4 ,t is :y ,i d

 n ev5 take "t to analyze ! /oma*       
cont5ts4 ,t is :y ,i say we are         
confront$ by an ar*sc\ndrel ( highe/    
intellig5ce & d[nright clev]ness4       
,m--,k5n$y paus$ = emphasis--,i realize 
n[ ! pres5ce ( a grim1 invisible m5ace4 
,x has j n[ be5 driv5 home to me4 ,!    
botul91 ) its deadly p>alyz+ p[]1 seal$ 
,w]n]'s tongue ev5 :ile he tri$ to tell 
me :at he knew4  ,mackay 0 trem5d\sly   
impress$ by ,k5n$y's explanation4 ,does 
?is mean1 he ask$1 t ! guilty man or    
woman is "s outsid]8 ,^? we h figur$ z  
possible suspects w\ld h>dly h ?is      
detail$ k ( poisons4  ,!re are two      
possibilities1 ,k5n$y answ]$4 ,! real   
p]son beh9d ! two murd]s may h employ$  
"s "o else to c>ry out ! actual kill+1 a
 hypo!sis ,i d n take s]i\sly1 or--aga9 
he paus$--?is may be a case ( "s "o )   
intellig5ce />t+ out ^u 8 c>e] ( crime  
intellig5tly by read+ up on 8 subject4  
,x is z simple to le>n h[ to use crotal9
 or botul9 tox9 or any numb] ( hundr$s (
 deadly sub/ances z x is to obta9 !     

majority ( !m4 ,9 fact1 if p g5]ally    
und]/ood ! ease ) :i* :ole communities  
c\ld be wip$ out1 & grasp$ t x c\ld be  
done s z to leave virtually no clue to !
 au?or ( ! horror1 !y might n sleep z   
s\ndly at night z !y d4 ,! sav+ grace is
 t ! av]age crim9al is (t5 clev]1 b     
almo/ nev] truly sci5tific4             
,un=tunately1 we h to combat "o :o      
possesses ! latt] quality to a high     
degree4  ,:at is ! invisible m5ace ( :i*
 y spoke1 ,craig8 ,i inquir$4  ,!       
possibility ( ano!r murd] be=e we c     
appreh5d ! guilty p]son or ga9 ! evid5ce
 we ne$4  ,good heav5s6 ,i imag9e ,i    
blan*$4 ,y mean--  ,w]n] 0 /ruck d[n1   
app>5tly1 = no reason b t he _h guess$ !
 id5tity ( ! villa94 ,!re is a second   
man 9 ! company :o has c]ta9 suspicions 
& is act+ ^u !m4 ,if he is on ! "r      
trail1 by any *ance-- ,k5n$y %rugg$ 8   
%\ld]s sob]ly4  ,%irley8  ,exactly6 ,&  
!re is /ill ano!r possibility4  ,:at is 
t8  ,"h 9 ?is laboratory ,i h blood     
spots made on ! porti]es at ! h\se (    

,phelps by ! man :o remov$ ! ne$le1     
probably ! unkn[n himself1 possibly     
8--or h]--ag5t4 ,9 any case x is a clue 
&--,,! ,,only ,,direct ,,& ,,infallible 
,,clue ,,9 ,,exi/5ce ,,to ,,! ,,crim9al6
 ,also ,i h ! evid5ce ( ! snake v5om & (
 ! botul9 tox9 "h4 ,soon] or lat] !     
p]son :o kill$ ,w]n] because he suspect$
 ?+s w wake up to ! fact t we possess   
tangible pro( aga9/ him4  ,i grew pale4 
,y mean1 !n1 t y may be attack$ y\rself8
 ,t ev5 ,i--  ,k5n$y smil$1 unafraid4 ,b
 f ! expression 9 8 eyes ,i knew t he   
took ! ?\ght ( our possible dang] v     
s]i\sly4     ,,xxiv  ,,! ,,invisible    
,,m5ace   ,mackay & ,i ex*ang$ glances4 
,k5n$y busi$ himself putt+ away "s ( ! m
 important bits ( evid5ce 9 ! case1     
plac+ ! t9y tubes ( solution1 ! blood   
sme>s1 & o!r items toge!r 9 a cab9et at 
! f>!r corn] ( ! laboratory4 ,! va/ bulk
 ( 8 p>aph]nalia1 ! array ( glass &     
*emicals & in/rum5ts1 he left on ! table
 = ! morn+4 ,!n he fac$ u aga91 ) a     
smile4  ,suppose y />t up ! p]colator   

once m1 ,walt]6 ,he took a cig> & light$
 x f ! mat* ,i /ruck4 ,i believe ,i've  
e>n$ ano!r cup ( c(fee1 he add$4        
,mackay _h be5 fidget+ consid]ably s9ce 
,k5n$y's explanation ( ! possible dang] 
to ,%irley1 z well z to ourselves or ev5
 to o!rs4  ,isn't !re some?+ we c d1    
,k5n$y8 he exclaim$1 sudd5ly4 ,is x     
necess>y to sit back & wait = ?is unkn[n
 to /rike aga98  ,ord9>ily1 ,k5n$y      
repli$1 on a case l ?is x has be5 my    
cu/om to p]mit ! guilty p>ties to betray
 !mselves1 z !y w d                     
inevitably--especially :5 ,i call to my 
aid ! rec5t discov]ies ( sci5ce = !     
detection & measurem5t ( f9e & almo/    
imp]ceptible %ades ( emotion4 ,b n[ t ,i
 realize ! pres5ce ( ?is m5ace ,i %all  
become a detective ( action2 9 fact1 ,i 
%all n /op at any c\rse to hurry matt]s4
 ,! v fir/ ?+ 9 ! morn+ ,i %all g to !  
/udio & ,i want y & ,jameson along4     
,i--8 eyes tw9kl$2 x 0 ! excitem5t at ! 
prospect--,i may ne$ consid]able help 9 
gett+ ! evid5ce ,i wi%4  ,:i* is--8 ,x 0

 ,i :o int]pos$ ! "q4  ,k5n$y blew a    
cl\d ( smoke4 ,!re are ?ree ways ( trac+
 d[n a crime1 aside f ! police me?od (  
/ool pigeons to betray ! crim9als & !   
detective bureau me?od (                
cross-exam9ation "u pressure1 popul>ly  
kn[n z ! ?ird degree4  ,:at are !y8     
,mackay ask$1 unaw>e t ,k5n$y ne$$      
little prompt+ once he felt incl9$ to   
talk out "s matt] puzzl+ him4  ,"o is ! 
process ( reason+ f ! possible suspects 
to ! act itself--9 o!r words1 putt+ !   
emphasis on ! motive4 ,a second is !    
rev]se ( ! fir/1 involv+ a /udy ( !     
crime = clues & mak+ d$uctions f !      
inevitable e>m>ks ( ! p]son = ! purpose 
( discov]+ 8 id5tity4 ,! ?ird me?od1    
except = "s inve/igations across ! wat]1
 is di/9ctly my own1 ! sci5tific4  ,9   
all sci5ces1 ,k5n$y w5t on1 w>m+ to 8   
subject1 progress is made by a c>eful   
tabulation ( prov$ facts4 ,! sci5tific  
me?od is ! me?od ( exact k4 ,?us1 9     
crime1 ^? ?+s are ( value to u :i* by an
 inf9ite s]ies ( empiric obs]vations h  

be5 e/abli%$ & h become incontrov]tible4
 ,! famili> example1 ( c\rse1 is        
f+]pr9ts4 ,ne>ly ev]yone kn[s t no two  
m5 h ! same m>k+s2 t ! same man displays
 a patt]n :i* is un*ang+ f bir? to !    
grave4  ,no less c]ta9 is ! fact t human
 blood diff]s f ! blood ( animals1 t 9  
fa9t v>iations ! blood ( no two p is    
alike1 t ! blood ( any liv+ ?+1 man or  
bea/1 is affect$ by v>i\s ?+s--an       
inf9ite numb] almo/--mo/ ( :i* are      
positively kn[n to mod]n m$ical         
inve/igators4  ,9 ?is case my pr9cipal  
sci5tific clue is ! blood left ^u !     
porti]e by ! man :o took ! ne$le ! night
 foll[+ ! murd]4 ,next 9 importance is !
 fact1 demon/rat$ by me1 t "s "o at !   
/udio wip$ a hypod]mic on a t[el aft]   
inoculat+ himself ) antiv594 ,( c\rse ,i
 am presum+ t ?is latt] man inoculat$   
himself & n "s "o else1 because x is    
obvi\s4 ,if necess>y ,i c prove x lat]1 
h[ev]1 by analyz+ ! trace ( blood4 ,t is
 n ! po9t4 ,! po9t is t :oev] remov$ !  
ne$le prick$ himself & yet did n die ( !

 v5om--unless x 0 a p]son n "u our      
obs]vation1 an unlikely premise4 ,!re=e1
 because ( ?is la/ fact1 & because aga9 
x is obvi\s1 ,i expect to f9d t ! same  
individual inoculat$ himself ) antiv59 &
 remov$ ! ne$le f ! porti]e2 & ,i expect
 to prove x beyond possibility ( d\bt by
 an analysis ( 8 blood4 ,a sample ( !   
blood f ?is p]son w be id5tical ) ! spot
 on ! porti]e1 &--mu* ! easi] te/--w    
conta9 traces ( ! antitox94  ,) t mu*   
accompli%$1 a little ( !1 well--?ird    
degree1 w br+ ab\t a confession4 ,x is  
circum/antial evid5ce ( ! /ronge/ sort4 
,n only does a man take precautions     
aga9/ a giv5 poison1 b he is prov$ to be
 ! "o :o remov$ ! ne$le actually        
responsible = ,miss ,lam>'s dea?4  ,my  
h&icap1 h[ev]1 is t ,i h no ju/ifiable  
excuse = tak+ a sample ( blood f ea* ( !
 p we suspect1 or feel we might suspect4
 ,= t reason ,i 0 wait+ until "o ( ! o!r
 detective me?ods %\ld n>r[ ! field (   
suspicion4 ,n[ t !re is ! m5ace ( ano!r 
attempt to take a life ,i am =c$ to act4

 ,to-morr[ we w get samples ( blood f   
ev]yone by artifice--or =ce6            
,mean:ile-- ,he ha/5$ to cont9ue1 z ?\gh
 afraid we might int]rupt to break 8    
tra9 ( ?\ght4 ,mean:ile1 to-night1 let u
 see if x is possible to accompli%      
some?+ by ! d$uctive me?od4  ,already ,i
 h gone into an analysis />t+ f ! nature
 ( ! crime & reason+ to ! type ( crim9al
 responsible4 ,! guilty man--or         
woman--is a p]son ( high intellig5ce1   
add$ to g5u9e clev]ness4 ,b = ! results 
accompli%$ 9 ?is laboratory we w\ld be  
)\t a clue2 our h&s w\ld be ti$         
completely4 ,bo? ,miss ,lam> & ,w]n] 7  
kill$ by unusual poisons2 deadly1 &     
almo/ impossible to trace4 ,!re 0 a cr[d
 ( p ab\t 9 ea* case2 yet we h no       
witnesses4 ,n[ :o1 out ( all our p )    
possible motives1 are intellig5t en\gh &
 clev] en\gh to be guilty8  ,k5n$y      
glanc$ fir/ at me1 !n at ,mackay4       
,manton8 ,phelps8 sugge/$ ! di/rict     
attorney4  ,! promot]1 ,k5n$y rejo9$1 is
 ! typical man ( ! bus9ess _w b5ea? !   

ecc5tricity ( mann] :i* seems to cl+ to 
ev]yone 9 ! picture field4 ,ord9>ily 8  
type1 ?9k+ 9 millions ( doll>s & juggl+ 
nickel & dime admissions or o!r r\t9e ( 
comm]cial detail is ap>t f ! f9] subtle 
passions ( life4 ,:5 a bus9ess man      
commits murd] he g5]ally uses a pi/ol   
because he is sure x is effici5t--he c  
see x "w4 ,! same applies to ,phelps4   
,mill>d8 ,mackay hesitat$ n[ to face !  
logic ( ,k5n$y's ke5 m9d4 ,he 0 ,/ella  
,lam>'s husb&6  ,mill>d is a sc5>io     
writ] & s apt to h a bra9 clutt]$ ) all 
sorts ( detail ( crime & murd]4 ,at !   
same "t an au?or is s us$ to c\nt]feit+ 
emotion 9 8 writ+s t he seldom takes ?+s
 s]i\sly4 ,life becomes a joke & ,mill>d
 9 p>ticul> is a butt]fly1 conc]n$ m ) !
 smiles ( extra girls & ! favor ( ,miss 
,faye ?an ! fate ( ! woman ^: divorce f 
him 0 n yet complete4 ,a writ] is ! o!r 
extreme f ! bus9ess man4 ,! creator (   
/ories is ess5tially ineffici5t because 
he tries to feel r ?an reason4 ,:5 an   
au?or commits murd] he sets a /age = 8  

own b5efit4 ,he is c>eful to avoid      
witnesses because !y are inconv5i5t to  
dispose (4 ,at ! same "t he wants !     
victim to und]/& ?or\ghly :at is go+ to 
happ5 & s he is apt to accompany 8 crime
 ) a spee* word$ v c>efully inde$4 ,!n  
he may />t ) an attempt to ?rottle a    
p]son & end up ) a hat*et1 or he may    
plan to use a razor & at ! end bra9 8   
qu>ry ) a *air4 ,he lives too _m lives  
to foll[ "o ?r\gh cle>ly--8 own4  ,h[   
ab\t ,%irley8 ,i put 94  ,at fir/ glance
 ,%irley & ,gordon sugge/ !mselves      
because bo? murd]s 7 highly spectacul>1 
& ! actor1 above ev]y?+ else1 enjoys a  
big sc5e4 ,aft] ,w]n]'s dea?1 = in/ance1
 ,%irley lit]ally /rutt$ up & d[n 9 t   
set4 ,he 0 s full ( ! situation1 s c>ri$
 away by ! drama ( ! occasion1 t he     
fail$ utt]ly to realize h[ suspici\s 8  
conduct w\ld seem to an obs]v]4         
,un=tunately = our hypo!ses1 ! use (    
v5om & tox9 is too cold-blood$ly        
effici5t4 ,! !atrical temp]am5t mu/ h   
emotion4 ,an actor cruel & vici\s en\gh 

to /rike d[n two p z ,miss ,lam> & ,w]n]
 7 /rick51 ( suffici5t dramatic make-up 
to conceive ( ! mann] ( _! dea?s1 w\ld  
want to see !m wri! & suff]4 ,he w\ld   
select poisons equally r>e & effective1 
b ^? m sl[ & pa9ful 9 _! op]ation4 ,no1 
,walt]1 ,%irley is n indicat$ by ?is    
me?od ( reason+4 ,! arrangem5t ( ! sc5es
 = ! murd]s 0 simply ano!r detail (     
effici5cy1 n due to a wi% to be         
spectacul>4 ,! cr[d ab\t 9 ea* case has 
add$ greatly to ! difficulty (          
inve/igation4  ,d y include ,gordon 9 t8
 ,mackay ask$4  ,yes1 & 9               
addition--,k5n$y smil$ slightly--,i     
believe t ,gordon is r /upid4 ,= "o ?+1 
he has _h sev]al fights 9 public1 at !  
,goats ,club & at ! ,midnight ,fads & ,i
 suppose else:]e4 ,t is n ! clev] rogue4
 ,fur!rmore1 he _h be5 speculat+1 n j n[
 & !n1 b desp]ately1 dogg$ly4 ,clev] m5 
speculate1 b sci5tific m5 nev]4 ,our    
unkn[n crim9al is bo? clev] &           
intellig5t4  ,t br+s y to ! girls1 !n1  
,mackay rem>k$4  ,k5n$y's face cl\d$ &  

,i c\ld see t he 0 tr\bl$4 ,to be hone/ 
9 ?is "o p>ticul> me?od ( d$uction1 he  
/at$1 ,i mu/ admit t bo? ,miss ,faye &  
,miss ,lor+ are wor?y ( suspicion4 ,!   
fact ( _! rise 9 ! film _w1 ! evid5ces (
 _! popul>ity1 is pro( t !y are clev]4  
,miss ,lor+1 9 my few brief mom5ts (    
contact ) h] on two occasions1 %[$ a    
grasp ( ?+s & a quickness :i* indicate  
to me t %e possesses a r>e ord] (       
intellig5ce = a woman4 ,z = ,miss       
,faye--aga9 he hesitat$--"o little act (
 h]s demon/rat$ intellig5ce4 ,:5 ,%irley
 0 /&+ gu>d 9 ! set aft] ,w]n]'s dea?1 &
 mak+ a fool ( himself1 ,mill>d evid5tly
 want$ to get ov] & speak to him1 p]haps
 to tell him n to let me f9d him se>*+ !
 sc5e z ?\gh 8 life dep5d$ ^u x1 p]haps 
some?+ else4 ,b ,miss ,faye /opp$ him4  
,unque/ionably %e saw t anyone tak+ an  
int]e/ 9 ! rema9s ( ! banquet j !n w\ld 
become an object ( suspicion4  ,d y     
really suspect ,m>ilyn or ,enid8 ,i     
inquir$4  ,if ?is 7 half a g5]ation ago 
,i w\ld say )\t hesitation t ! crime 0 !

 h&iwork ( a man4 ,b n[ ! wom5 are 9    
ev]y?+4 ,"y girls p>ticul>ly-- ,he      
%rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4  ,mackay _h "o m       
sugge/ion4 ,! cam]a m51 ! extras1 !     
te*nical & /udio /affs--!y are n wor?y (
 consid]ation1 are !y8  ,k5n$y %ook 8   
head4  ,! odor ( c(fee /ruck my no/rils 
& ,i turn$ to f9d ! p]colator /eam+4    
,k5n$y lean$ ov]1 to take a :iff4       
,mackay rose4 ,at t mom5t !re 0 a sudd5 
cra% & ! w9d[-pane 0 %att]$4            
,simultane\sly a fla% ( light & a deaf5+
 explosion took place 9 ! room1 scatt]+ 
broadca/ t9y bits ( glass f ! laboratory
 table1 spla%+ *emicals1 _m ( !m        
dang]\s1 ov] ev]y?+4  ,k5n$y hurri$ to !
 wreck ( 8 p>aph]nalia4 ,9 an in/ant he 
held up a t9y bit ( jagg$ metal4  ,an   
explosive bullet6 he exclaim$4 ,an      
attempt to de/roy my evid5ce6     ,,xxv 
,,it*+ ,,salve   ,= once ,i rose )      
,k5n$y4 ,he prec$$ me to ! laboratory   
aft] breakfa/1 h[ev]1 leav+ me to wait =
 ,mackay4 ,:5 ! little di/rict attorney 
arriv$ ,i notic$ t he c>ri$ a package   

:i* look$ z ?\gh x might conta9 a       
"o-reel film c4  ,! negative we took f !
 cam]as at ,t>ryt[n1 he expla9$4 ,also a
 pr9t f ea* roll1 ready to run4 ,i've   
be5 hold+ ?is z evid5ce4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y    
want$ me to br+ x ) me to-day4  ,he's   
wait+ = u at ! laboratory1 ,i rem>k$4   
,he'll /raight5 ev]y?+ up 9 a hurry1    
won't he8  ,k5n$y's ! mo/ high-h&$      
individual ,i ev] knew1 ,i laugh$1 if he
 sees a *ance ( gett+ 8 man4 ,!n ,i     
became en?usia/ic4 ,(t5 ,i've se5 him   
ga!r a gr\p ( p 9 a room1 p]haps )\t !  
fa9te/ %r$ ( legal "r to d s1 & !re make
 ! guilty p]son confess simply by m>%al+
 ! evid5ce1 or maybe betray himself by  
"s sci5tific device4 ,x's wond]ful1     
,mackay4  ,d y ?9k he plans some?+ ( t  
k9d ?is morn+8  ,i l$ ! way to ! door4  
,aft] :at happ5$ la/ night ,i "k t      
,k5n$y w resort to almo/ any?+4  ,!     
di/rict attorney f+]$ ! package "u 8    
arm4 ,he might get ev]yone 9 !          
projection room !n1 & make !m wat* !    
actual photographic record ( ,/ella's   

dea?--! sc5e :]e %e scrat*$ h]self--    
,let's hurry6 ,i int]rupt$4  ,:5 we     
ent]$ ! laboratory we f\nd ,k5n$y       
vigor\sly fann+ a t[el :i* he _h hung up
 to dry4 ,i recogniz$ x z ! "o ,i _h    
discov]$ 9 ! /udio wa%room imm$iately   
foll[+ ! fir/ murd]4  ,?is w s]ve me    
bett] z bait ?an z evid5ce1 he laugh$4  
,i h impregnat$ x ) a colorless *emical 
:i* w cl+ to ! fib]s & enable me to     
id5tify ! mo/ inf9itesimal trace ( x4   
,we %all get up to ! /udio & />t1       
well--,i guess y c\ld call x fi%+ = !   
guilty man4 ,he f+]$ ! folds1 !n j]k$ ! 
t[el d[n & flung x to me4 ,"h1 ,walt]6  
,x's dry en\gh4 ,n[ ,i want y to rub !  
cont5ts ( t t9y c ( grease1 op5 be=e y  
!re1 into ! clo?4  ,he hurri$ ov] to wa%
 8 h&s4 ,i spread ! t[el out on ! table 
& began to "w 9 ! /uff indicat$ by      
,k5n$y4 ,!re 0 no odor & x seem$ l "s   
pat5t o9tm5t 9 color4 ,at fir/ ,i 0     
puzzl$4 ,!n1 abs5tly1 ,i t\*$ ! back (  
"o h& ) ! greasy f+]s ( ! o!r &         
imm$iately an it*+ set up s annoy+ t ,i 

_h to ab&on my task4  ,k5n$y *uckl$4    
,t's it*+ salve1 ,walt]4 ,! cuticle pads
 at y\r f+] tips are too ?ick1 b t\*    
y\rself any:]e else6-- ,he %rugg$ 8     
%\ld]s4 ,y'd bett] use soap & wat] if y 
want any relief4 ,!n y c />t ov] aga94  
,at ! bas9 ,i ?\ght ,i grasp$ 8 little  
plot4  ,y're go+ to plant ! t[el1 ,i    
ask$1 s t ! int]e/$ p>ty w try to get   
hold ( x8  ,evid5tly he ?\ght x         
unnecess>y to reply to me4  ,:y c\ldn't 
y j put x some:]e )\t all ! prep>ation1 
,mackay sugge/$1 & wat* to see :o came  
aft] x8  ,because our crim9al's too     
clev]1 ,k5n$y rejo9$4 ,our only *ance to
 get x /ol5 is to make x v pla9 t x is n
 be+ wat*$4 ,:oev] /eals x1 h[ev]1      
possibly w reveal himself on acc\nt ( ! 
it*+ salve4 ,9 any case ,i expect to be 
able to trace ! t[el to ! ?ief1 no matt]
 :at ef=ts are made to de/roy x4  ,!    
t[el 0 wrapp$ 9 a heavy bit ( pap]2 !n  
plac$ ) a microscope & "s o!r           
p>aph]nalia 9 a small batt]$ travel+    
bag4 ,climb+ into ,mackay's little      

road/]1 we soon 7 spe$+ t[>d ! /udio4   
,w y be able to help me1 to /ay )       
,jameson & myself all day8 ,k5n$y ask$ !
 di/rict attorney1 aft] p]haps a mile ( 
sil5ce4  ,surely6 ,x's :at ,i 0 hop+ y'd
 all[ me to d4 ,i h no au?ority d[n "h1 
?\gh4  ,i und]/&4 ,b ! police1 or an    
outsid]1 might all[ "s ( my plans to    
become kn[n4 ,he paus$ a mom5t 9 ?\ght4 
,! film y br\ght 9 ) y consi/s ( ! sc5es
 on ! rolls ( negative 9 use at ! "t (  
,miss ,lam>'s collapse4 ,x may or may n 
include ! action :]e %e scrat*$ h]self4 
,n[ ,i want ! sc5es up to ?irte5 put    
toge!r 9 prop] ord]1 fir/ z photograph$ 
by "o cam]a1 !n z caught by ! o!r4 ,i'll
 arrange = ! s]vices ( a cutt]1 & = !   
deliv]y to me ( any o!r negative or     
positive ov]look$ by u :5 we _h ! two   
boxes seal$ & giv5 into y\r cu/ody at   
,t>ryt[n4 ,w y sup]9t5d ! assembly ( !  
sc5es1 s t y c be sure no?+ is tak5 out 
or omitt$8  ,( c\rse6 ,i want to d any?+
 ,i c4  ,^u arrival at ! /udio we       
detect$ ?is "t all ! signs ( a complete 

demoralization4 ,! dea? ( ,w]n]1 ! fact 
t he _h be5 /rick5 d[n dur+ ! tak+ ( a  
sc5e & on ! v /age1 _h s]v$ to br+ !    
trag$y home to ! p4 ,m1 x 0 a second    
murd] 9 f\r days1 app>5tly by ! same h& 
z ! fir/4 ,a s5se ( dread1 a nameless1  
intangible fe>1 _h tak5 =m & f\nd its   
way "u ! big black5$ glass ro(s & ar\nd 
& ?r\gh ! corridors1 into ! dress+      
rooms1 & back ev5 to ! manufactur+ &    
purely te*nical dep>tm5ts4 ,! gateman   
ey$ u ) undisguis$ uneas9ess z we drove 
?r\gh ! ar*way into ! y>d4 ,9 t         
inclosure !re 7 only two c>s--,manton's1
 & "o we lat] le>n$ belong$ to ,phelps4 
,! sole human be+ to ent] our range (   
vision 0 an (fice boy4 ,he skirt$ ! side
 ( ! build+ z ?\gh ! m5ace ( dea? 7 9 ! 
air1 or likely to /rike out ( ! v heav5s
 )\t w>n+4  ,we f\nd ,kauf 9 ! l>ge     
/udio1 obvi\sly unhappy 9 ! %oes ( !    
un=tunate ,w]n]4 ,probably f            
half-reason$-out motives ( effici5cy 9  
psy*ology ! new director _h made no     
attempt to resume "w at once 9 !        

ill-fat$ banquet set1 b _h turn$ to !   
companion ballroom sett+1 s9ce bo? _h   
be5 prep>$ & made ready at ! same "t4   
,k5n$y expla9$ our pres5ce s e>ly 9 !   
morn+ v neatly1 ,i ?\ght4  ,i w\ld      
appreciate x1 he began1 if y c\ld place 
a cutt] at ! disposal ( ,mr4 ,mackay4   
,he has ! sc5es tak5 f ! cam]a & seal$  
at ! "t ( ,miss ,lam>'s dea?4 ,i w\ld l 
to h any o!r film tak5 out !re deliv]$  
to him & ! :ole jo9$ 9 prop] sequ5ce4   
,!n1 ,mr4 ,kauf1 if y c\ld arrange to h 
! same cutt] take ! film expos$ ye/]day 
:5 ,mr4 ,w]n]--  ,y ?9k y might be able 
to see some?+1 to discov] some?+ on !   
scre58  ,exactly6  ,kauf beam$4 ,mr4    
,manton gave me ord]s to assi/ y 9 e way
 ,i c\ld1 or to put any ( my p at y\r   
disposal4 ,m ?an t1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 he     
anticipat$ y4 ,he ?\ght y might want to 
look at ! sc5es tak5 ye/]day & he ru%$ !
 laboratory & ! pr9t+ room4 ,we'll be   
able to fix y up v quickly4  ,good6     
,k5n$y nodd$ to ,mackay & ! di/rict     
attorney hurri$ (f ) ,kauf4 ,n[1 ,walt]6

 he exclaim$1 sob]+4  ,i pick$ up !     
travel+ bag & toge!r we /roll$ t[>d !   
ballroom set4 ,!re mo/ ( ! play]s 7     
ga!r$ already--9 make-up & ev5+ clo!s ( 
a fanci] sort ev5 ?an ^? dem&$ = !      
banquet4 ,i saw t ,k5n$y s+l$ out       
,m>ilyn4  ,good morn+1 %e said1         
*e]fully1 b ) ef=t4 ,x 0 obvi\s %e _h   
sp5t a n]v\s night4 ,!re 7 circles "u h]
 eyes ill conceal$ by ! small quantity (
 cosmetic %e us$4 ,h] h&s1 %ift+        
con/antly1 display$ ! loss ( h] usual   
poise4 ,y are out bright & e>ly1 %e     
add$4  ,we've /umbl$ into a v important 
clue1 ,k5n$y told h]1 ) a %[ ( giv+ h] 8
 confid5ce4 ,9 t bag 9 ,walt]'s h& is "o
 ( ! /udio t[els4 ,x conta9s a h9t ( !  
poison us$ to kill ,miss ,lam> &--(     
utmo/ consequ5ce--x has provid$ me ) an 
infallible clue to ! id5tity ( ! murd]] 
himself--or h]self4  ,x seem$ to me t   
,m>ilyn blan*$4 ,:]e--:]e did y f9d x8  
%e dem&$1 9 a v aw$ voice4  ,9 "o ( !   
/udio wa%rooms4  ,x has be5--x has be5 9
 ! wa%room ev] s9ce poor ,/ella's dea?8 

,no1 n t6 ,jameson discov]$ x ! same day
 b--! v slight pause 0 p]ceptible to me2
 ,k5n$y hat$ to lie--,i hav5't realiz$  
its importance until j ?is morn+4  ,enid
 ,faye1 see+ u f a di/ance1 conqu]$ h]  
dislike ( ,m>ilyn suffici5tly to jo9 u4 
,%e 0 v erect & t5se4 ,h] eyes1 wide &  
sob] & se>*+1 travel$ f my face to      
,k5n$y's & back4 ,!n %e dissembl$1 s(t5+
 z %e came close to me1 lay+ a h& on my 
%\ld] & all[+ h] skirt to bru% my       
tr\s]s4  ,tell me1 ,jamie1 %e :isp]$1 h]
 w>m brea? ?rill+ me ?r\gh & ?r\gh4 ,has
 ! wond]ful ,craig ,k5n$y discov]$      
some?+8 ,x 0 n s>casm1 b assum$         
playfulness1 mask+ a ?robb+ curiosity4  
,i f\nd a t[el 9 "o ( ! /udio wa%rooms1 
,i answ]$1 & ,craig has demon/rat$ t x  
is a clue to ! poison :i* kill$ ,/ella  
,lam> z well z to ! p]son :o did x4     
,enid gasp$4 ,!n %e drew h]self up & h] 
eyes n>r[$4 ,n[ %e fac$ ,k5n$y4  ,h[ c !
 t[el be a clue to ! crime8 %e prote/$4 
,/ella 0--0 murd]$ way out 9 ,t>ryt[n6  
,mr4 ,jameson f\nd ! t[el "h6  ,k5n$y   

%rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,i _c tell y t--j yet4 
,he paus$ delib]ately4 ,y see1 he li$4  
,i h yet to make my analysis4  ,b y "k  
x's a clue to !--  ,t t[el--he rais$ 8  
voice1 z ?\gh 9 elation--t t[el w lead  
me to ! murd]]--infallibly6  ,m]le      
,%irley _h come up 9 "t to he> mo/ ( !  
colloquy betwe5 ,enid & ,k5n$y4 ,at !   
la/ he flu%$1 cl5*+ 8 fi/s4  ,if y c    
prove :o ! murd]] is1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 he   
explod$1 :y don't y appreh5d him be=e "s
 "o else meets ! fate ( ,w]n]8  ,i c d  
no?+ until ,i return to my laboratory   
?is aft]noon4 ,i w n "k ! id5tity ( !   
guilty p]son until ,i complete a *emical
 analysis4  ,"o by "o ! v>i\s p possibly
 conc]n$ 9 ! two crimes jo9$ ! gr\p4    
,?is morn+ all ! faces 7 s]i\s2 mo/ ( !m
 %[$ ! m>ks ( sleeplessness foll[+ !    
second murd]4 ,k5n$y walk$ away1 b ,i   
saw t ,jack ,gordon ha/5$ to "q bo? !   
girls1 ignor+ _! evid5t dislike = him4  
,among ! o!rs ,i recogniz$ ,watk9s1 !   
cam]a man1 & 8 associate4 ,lawr5ce      
,mill>d came 9 & ha/5$ to ! side (      

,enid4 ,z he drew h] away to ask ! cause
 ( ! ga!r+ ,i wond]$ at 8 e>ly pres5ce4 
,! sc5>io writ] 0 typical ( !m all4 ,!  
/range & unusual nature ( ! crimes1 !   
evid5t relation%ip betwe5 !m1 _h drawn !
 employees ( ,manton ,pictures to !     
/udio z a cr[d ( baseball fans collects 
be=e a public bullet9 bo>d4 ,n "o ( !m b
 0 afraid ( miss+ "s developm5t 9 !     
case4 ,9 no in/ance c\ld ! int]e/ ( a   
p>ticul> individual be tak5 z an        
indication ( guilt4  ,phelps ent]$ !    
/udio f ! door to ! dress+ rooms4       
,disda9+ to jo9 ! o!r gr\p1 he approa*$ 
u to ask ! cause = ! excitem5t4 ,k5n$y  
expla9$1 pati5tly1 & ,i saw t ,phelps   
look$ at ! black bag uneasily4  ,i hope 
! guilty p>ty is n a memb] ( ! company1 
he mutt]$4  ,:y8 ,k5n$y's m\? tight5$4  
,! f9anci] grew r$4 ,because ?is picture
 has be5 crippl$ en\gh4 ,fir/ a new />2 
n[ a new director--if x wasn't s        
prepo/]\s ,i'd believe t x 0 all "p ( a 
delib]ate-- ,he /opp$ z if realiz+      
sudd5ly ! inadvisability ( vague        

accusations4  ,don't y want ju/ice done8
 ,k5n$y inquir$4  ,( c\rse6 ,phelps     
tugg$ at 8 coll> uncom=tably4 ,( c\rse1 
,mr4 ,k5n$y4 ,!n he turn$ & hurri$ away1
 out ( ! /udio4  ,gordon & ,mill>d      
deta*$ !mselves f ! o!rs1 com+ ov]4  ,9 
:i* wa%room 0 ! t[el f\nd1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y8 
,gordon put ! "q z ?\gh he felt himself 
specially delegat$ to obta9 ?is         
in=mation4  ,i wond]$ h[ ,k5n$y w\ld    
evade a direct answ]4 ,to my surprise he
 made no attempt at concealm5t4  ,! "o  
on ! second floor ( ! (fice build+4     
,mill>d laugh$1 fac+ ,gordon4 ,t puts x 
on myself--or ! big boss6  ,x /ruck me t
 ! lead+ man 0 uneasy z he hurri$ back  
to ! o!rs4 ,mill>d1 /ill smil+1 turn$ to
 say some?+ to u1 b we 7 jo9$ by        
,manton1 ent]+ f ! o!r end ( ! big      
inclosure4  ,good morn+1 ! promot]      
exclaim$1 some:at brea?less4 ,i j le>n$ 
y 7 "h4 ,is--is !re "s new developm5t4  
,is !re some?+ ,i c d8  ,i see y are n  
all[+ any?+ to int]f]e ) ! mak+ ( !     
picture1 ,k5n$y rem>k$4 ,all ! p seem to

 be "h bright & e>ly4  ,a %ad[ crept    
into ,manton's face4 ,x seems almo/ z   
cold-blood$ z--z w>1 he admitt$4 ,b ,i  
c't help myself1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y4 ,! company
 has no money & if we don't meet ?is    
release we're bu/$4 ,all at once he l[]$
 8 voice eag]ly4 ,tell me1 h y discov]$ 
some?+8 ,is !re "s clue to ! guilty man8
  ,he's f\nd a t[el1 ,mill>d put 91 an  
expression ( half amusem5t on 8 face z  
he fac$ ! promot]4 ,9 "s way x's a clue 
to ! id5tity ( ! murd]]1 an infallible  
clue1 he says4 ,he f\nd x 9 ! wa%room by
 our (fices4 ,s9ce ,w]n] is dead1 t     
po9ts ! f+] ( suspicion at y or me4     
,manton's jaw dropp$4 ,8 expression     
became almo/ ludicr\s1 z if ! ?\ght t he
 c\ld possibly be suspect$ himself 0 new
 to him4 ,mill>d's eyes sob]$ a bit at 8
 sup]ior's confusion4  ,!re's a door f !
 dress+ rooms1 ,k5n$y sugge/$4 ,any ( ! 
actors or actresses c\ld h us$ ! place4 
,( c\rse6 ,manton grasp$ at ! /raw4 ,i  
_h =gott54 ,!re h be5 compla9ts to me   
ab\t ! play]s us+ t room4  ,i h ! t[el )

 me1 wrapp$ up 9 a pap] 9 ?is grip1     
,k5n$y w5t on4 ,x's s v valuable z a bit
 ( evid5ce--,i wond] if ,i c\ld borr[ a 
lock] s z to keep x "u lock & key until 
we're ready to return to ! laboratory8  
,sure6 ,( c\rse6 ,manton glanc$ ab\t &  
saw ! little knot ( p /ill ga!r$ 9 !    
set4 ,mill>d6 ,g ov] & tell ,kauf to get
 busy4 ,he's los+ "t4 ,!n he turn$ to u 
aga94 ,come on1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 we h "s    
/eel lock]s out by ! prop]ty room4  ,z  
we />t$ across ! floor ,i c\ld see t    
,k5n$y 0 fram+ a "q ) great c>e4  ,d y  
ev] use snakes 9 films1 ,mr4 ,manton8 he
 ask$4  ,:y1 no6 ,! promot] /opp$ 9 8   
surprise4 ,t is1 n if we ev] c help x4  
,! c5sor%ip won't pass any?+ ) snakes4  
,y h us$ !m1 ?\gh8  ,yes4 ,once we made 
a %ort-l5g? special subject1 no?+ b     
snakes4 ,manton became en?usia/ic4 ,x 0 
a wond]1 too2 a pet film ( m9e4 ,we made
 x ) ! direct co-op]ation & sup]vision (
 ! greate/ au?ority on poison\s snakes 9
 ! c\ntry1 ,doctor ,nagoya ( ,ca/leton  
,in/itute4     ,,xxvi  ,a ,,cig>ette    

,,case   ,k5n$y's face betray$ only a   
remote int]e/4 ,h y any copies ( t      
p>ticul> film8  ,j ! negative1 ,i       
believe4  ,c\ld ,i h t = a few days8  ,(
 c\rse6 ,manton seem$ to wi% to give u e
 possible am\nt ( co-op]ation2 yet ?is  
reque/ puzzl$ him4 ,w\ld y c>e to g d[n 
to ! negative vaults ) me8  ,k5n$y      
nodd$4  ,fir/ we /opp$ 9 a l5g?y        
corridor 9 ! re> build+1 :]e !re 7 no   
great signs ( life4 ,?r\gh a door ,i    
c\ld see a long room fill$ ) ornam5ts1  
pictures1 furniture1 rugs1 & all ! va/  
freak collections ( a prop]ty room4     
,along ! side ( ! hallway itself 0 a l9e
 ( /eel lock]s ( rec5t design4  ,manton 
call$ out to an employee & he appe>$    
aft] a long wait & unlock$ "o ( !m4 ,at 
,k5n$y's direction ,i put ! travel+ bag 
9 ! l[] comp>tm5t1 pocket+ ! key4 ,!n we
 retrac$ our /eps to broad /eel /airs   
lead+ up & d[n4 ,we desc5d$ to ! basem5t
 & f\nd ourselves 9 a high-ceil+$ space 
immaculately clean & us$ g5]ally =      
/orage purposes4  ,! film vaults1       

,manton expla9$1 are at ! corn] ( ! we/ 
w+4 ,!y h to be v5tilat$ specially1 on  
acc\nt ( ! high inflammability ( !      
celluloid composition4 ,s9ce ! greate/  
fire risk1 o!rwise1 is ! laboratory &   
pr9t+ dep>tm5ts1 & next to t ! /udios   
!mselves ) ! sc5]y1 ! heat ( ! lights1 !
 wires1 etc41 we h locat$ !m 9 ! mo/    
di/ant corn] ( ! quadrangle4 ,!         
negative1 y see1 repres5ts our actual   
inve/$ capital to a consid]able ext5t4  
,! pr9ts we> out & frequ5tly l>ge       
sections are de/roy$ & h to be repr9t$4 
,!n sometimes we c reissue old subjects4
 ,all 9 all we gu>d ! negative ) ! c>e a
 bank w\ld give actual funds 9 its      
vaults4  ,9 our _m visits to ! ,manton  
/udios ,i _h be5 /ruck by ! scrupul\s   
cleanl9ess ( e "p ( ! place4 ,!         
impression ( ord]l9ess came back to me )
 r$\bl$ =ce z we made our way ar\nd 9 ! 
basem5t4 ,no?+ seem$ out ( its prop]    
position1 al?\gh a va/ am\nt ( v>i\s    
mat]ial = picture mak+ 0 /or$ "h4 ,we   
pass$ two projection rooms1 "o a        

m9iature !at] ) q a bit ( com=t1 ! o!r  
small & b>e = ! use ( directors &       
cutt]s4  ,f9ally we saw ! vaults ahead (
 u4 ,! walls 7 concrete1 mat*+ ! actual 
walls ( ! basem5t4 ,!re 7 two entrances 
& ! doors 7 d\ble1 ( heavy /eel1 arrang$
 s t an air space w\ld give protection 9
 case ( fire4 ,at a roll-top desk1      
arrang$ = ! use ( ! cl]k 9 *>ge ( !     
negatives & pr9ts1 0 a "y boy4  ,:]e's  
,wagnalls8 dem&$ ,manton4  ,he w5t out1 
sir1 ! boy repli$1 respectfully en\gh4  
,said he w\ld be "r back & = me to wat* 
& n to let any?+ get out4  ,! promot] l$
 ! way into ! fir/ room4 ,"h on all f\r 
sides & 9 sev]al r[s d[n ! c5t]1 l !    
racks 9 a public libr>y1 7 %elves       
support+ /acks ( squ>e ?9 metal boxes or
 trays ) h&les & tightly fitt+ cov]s4   
,c>ds 7 secur$ to ! front ( ea*1 by     
clamps1 giv+ ! "n ( ! picture & ! numb] 
"u :i* ! film 0 fil$4 ,i 0 surpris$     
because ,i expect$ to f9d ev]y?+ kept 9 
ord9>y r\nd film cans4  ,^! are !       
negatives1 ,manton expla9$4 ,he pull$   

out a box at r&om1 op5+ x4 ,! negative  
is n all splic$ toge!r1 ! same l5g? z ! 
reels ( positive1 because ! pr9t+ ma*9es
 are equipp$ to take two-hundr$-foot    
pieces at a "t1 or approximate fif?s ( a
 reel1 ! size ( a roll ( raw positive   
film /ock4 ,!n :5ev] !re is a *ange 9   
color1 z f amb] daylight to blue t9t =  
night1 ! negative is brok5 because      
pieces ( diff]5t color+ h to g ?r\gh    
diff]5t ba?s1 & t also det]m9es ! size (
 ! rolls4 ,! pr9ts1 or positives1 9 !   
o!r vaults1 are 9 reel l5g?s & s are    
kept 9 ! r\nd boxes 9 :i* !y are %ipp$4 
,k5n$y glanc$ ab\t curi\sly4 ,! negative
 ( t snake picture is "h1 y said8       
,manton w5t to a little desk :]e !re 0 a
 c>d index4 ,?umb+ ?r\gh ! records1 he  
f\nd ! numb] & l$ u to ! prop] place 9 !
 rack4 ,9 ! box 7 only two rolls (      
negative1 bo? 7 l>ge4  ,?is 0 a split   
reel1 ! promot] began4 ,x 0             
approximately f\r hundr$ feet & we us$ x
 to fill out a %ort com$y1 a release we 
_h ye>s ago1 a reel ! fir/ "p ( :i* 0   

educational & ! la/ two-?irds or s a    
ro>+ slap-/ick4 ,we nev] made money on  
x4  ,b ?is /uff 0 mighty good1 ,mr4     
,k5n$y4 ,we practically wrote a sc5>io =
 ^? reptiles4 ,doctor ,nagoya 0 d[n     
himself & = ! bett] "p ( a day x wasn't 
possible to get a woman 9 ! /udio1 = fe>
 a rattl] or some?+ might get loose4  ,7
 !re rattl]s 9 ! film8  ,altoge!r1 ,i   
?9k4 ,! little ,jap 0 int]e/+1 too4     
,betwe5 sc5es he told u all ab\t !      
reptiles1 & h[ _! poison-- ,manton *eck$
 himself1 confus$4 ,0 x because ! ?\ght 
( poison rem9d$ him ( ! two dea?s s     
close to him1 or 0 x f "s m pot5t tw+e (
 consci5ce8 ,y'll see x all 9 ! film1 he
 f9i%$1 lamely4  ,i may keep ^! = a     
little bit8 ,k5n$y ask$4  ,( c\rse6 ,i c
 h ! two rolls pr9t$ & develop$ & dry   
sometime ?is aft]noon1 if y wi%4  ,no1  
?is w d v well4  ,k5n$y slipp$ a roll 9 
ea* pocket1 /ra9+ ! clo? to get !m 94   
,manton op5$ a book on ! little table1  
mak+ an entry ( ! deliv]y ( ! rolls &   
add+ 8 own initials4  ,i h to be v      

c>eful to avoid ! loss ( negative1 he   
told u4 ,no?+ c be tak5 out ( "h except 
on my own p]sonal ord]4  ,i ?\ght t     
,manton 0 v frank & accommodat+4 ,surely
 he _h made no ef=t to conceal 8 k ( ?is
 film made ) ,doctor ,nagoya1 & he _h   
ev5 m5tion$ ! poison ( ! rattlesnakes4  
,?\gh x _h confus$ him = a brief mom5t1 
t _h n /ruck me z a v decisive          
indication ( guilty k4 ,aft] all1 no "o 
knew ( ! use ( crotal9 to kill ,/ella   
,lam> except ! murd]] himself1 & ,k5n$y 
& ^? ( u 9 8 confid5ce4 ,! murd]] might 
n guess t ,k5n$y _h id5tifi$ ! v5om4    
,yet if ,manton 7 t man he _h cov]$ 8   
feel+s wond]fully 9 tell+ u ab\t ! film4
  ,my ?\ghts /ray$ to ! t[el up/airs4   
,_h an attempt be5 made yet to /eal x f 
! lock]8 ,x seem$ to me t we 7 los+ too 
mu* "t d[n "h if we hop$ to notice      
anyone ) it*+ h&s4  ,i realiz$ t ,k5n$y 
_h be5 v clev] 9 includ+ all our        
suspects 9 he>+ at ! "t he reveal$ !    
importance ( ! clue4 ,( ! orig9al n9e   
li/$ by ,mackay1 ,w]n] 0 dead & ,mrs4   

,manton _h nev] ent]$ ! case4 ,enid we  
_h assum$ to be ! my/]i\s woman 9       
,mill>d's divorce1 h[ev]1 & ! o!r six _h
 all be5 ^u ! floor 9 contact ) ,k5n$y4 
,fir/ !re 0 ,m>ilyn1 ! woman4 ,!n ! five
 m5 9 ord] _h display$ a lively int]e/ 9
 ! t[el--,%irley1 ,gordon1 ,mill>d1     
,phelps1 & ,manton4  ,k5n$y's voice r\s$
 me f my rev]ie4  ,does ?is door lead   
?r\gh to ! o!r vaults1 ,mr4 ,manton8    
,yes4 ,! promot] /raight5$1 aft] replac+
 ! records ( ! negative4 ,i design$ ?is 
sy/em ( /orage myself & sup]9t5d$ e     
detail ( con/ruction4 ,x is-- ,he *eck$ 
himself ) an exclamation1 notic+ t !    
door 0 op54 ,) a flu% ( ang] he slamm$ x
 %ut4  ,i %\ld ?9k ! connect+ doors w\ld
 be kept %ut all ! "t1 ,k5n$y rem>k$4 ,9
 case ( fire only "o comp>tm5t w\ld be a
 loss4  ,t's ! idea exactly6 ,t's :y ,i 
0 on ! po9t ( swe>+4 ,! boys d[n "h are 
gett+ lax & ,i'm go+ to make tr\ble4    
,manton turn$ back & call$ to ! boy     
outside4 ,:]e did y say ,wagnalls w5t8  
,i don't "k1 sir6 ,sometimes he goes    

across to ,mc,cann's = a cup ( c(fee1 or
 maybe he w5t up to ! pr9t+ dep>tm5t4   
,manton fac$ u once m4 ,if y'll excuse  
me j a mom5t ,i'm go+ to see :o's       
responsible = ?is4 ,:y1 he sputt]$1 if y
 hadn't call$ me ar\nd ! rack ,i w\ldn't
 h notic$ t ! door 0 op5 & !n1 if !re _h
 be5 a fire--,i--,i'll be "r back6  ,z  
,manton /orm$ (f ,k5n$y smil$ slightly1 
!n nodd$ = me to foll[4 ,we pass$ ?r\gh 
into ! rooms = positive /orage4 ,^! 9   
turn _h firepro( connect+ doors1 all (  
:i* 7 op54 ,9 ea* case ,k5n$y clos$ !m4 
,ev5tually we em]g$ into ! ma9 "p ( !   
basem5t ?r\gh ! f>!r vault door4 ,no?+ (
 a suspici\s nature _h caught our       
att5tion4 ,i guess$ t ,k5n$y simply _h  
wi%$ to cov] ! c>elessness ( ! vault man
 9 leav+ ! inn] doors wide op54  ,at !  
entrance :i* _h fir/ admitt$ u to !     
negative room1 h[ev]1 ,k5n$y /oop$      
sudd5ly4 ,at ! v mom5t he b5t =w>d ,i   
caught ! gl9t ( some?+ bright beh9d !   
heavy /eel door1 & 9 ! %ad[ s t x _h    
escap$ u be=e4 ,z he rose ,i lean$ ov]4 

,x 0 a cig>ette case1 a v h&some "o )   
l>ge initials engrav$ ) deep skillful   
fl\ri%4  ,:o is ',j4 ,g4'8 ,k5n$y ask$4 
,i felt a quiv] ( excitem5t4 ,jack      
,gordon1 ! lead+ man4  ,:at's an actor  
do+ d[n 9 ! film vaults8 he mutt]$4     
,slipp+ ! case into 8 pocket1 he glanc$ 
ab\t on ! floor & some?+ j )9 ! negative
 room caught 8 eye4 ,once m he b5t d[n4 
,) a speculative expression he pick$ up 
! cork-tipp$ /ub ( a cig>ette4  ,at ?is 
in/ant ,manton return$1 brea?+ h>d z    
?\gh 8 pursuit ( ! miss+ ,wagnalls _h   
be5 v det]m9$4 ,! butt 9 ,k5n$y's f+]s  
attract$ 8 att5tion at once4  ,did--did 
y f9d t "h8 he dem&$4  ,k5n$y po9t$4 ,"r
 !re on ! floor4  ,! devil6 ,manton     
flu%$ r$4 ,?is is no place to smoke4    
,by--by all ! wives ( ,goodw9 & all !   
/>s ( ,griffi? ,i'm go+ to />t fir+ a   
few p6 he sputt]$4 ,"h1 sonny6 ,he jump$
 at ! boy1 fright5+ him4 ,close all ^!  
doors & turn ! comb9ations4 ,tell       
,wagnalls if he op5s !m be=e he sees me 
,i'll commit batt]y on 8 nose4  ,k5n$y  

cont9u$ to hold ! /ub1 & z ,manton      
prec$$ u up ! /airs he hung back1 comp>+
 x ) ! few cig>ettes left 9 ! case4     
,unque/ionably !y 7 ( ! same br&4  ,on !
 /udio floor ,mackay 0 wait+ = u4 ,"u 8 
arm 0 a reel ( film 9 a c4 ,he clut*$ x 
almo/ fondly4  ,all ready6 he rem>k$1 to
 ,k5n$y4  ,k5n$y's face 0 unreveal+ z he
 fac$ ,manton4 ,?is bit ( film is       
valuable evid5ce also4 ,i ?9k p]haps x  
w\ld be saf] 9 t lock]4  ,any?+ at all  
we c d to help1 /at$ ,manton1 promptly4 
,%all ,i %[ y ! way aga98  ,i produc$ ! 
key1 h&+ x to ,k5n$y z ! f\r ( u arriv$ 
9 ! corridor by ! prop]ty room4 ,k5n$y  
slipp$ ! bit ( metal into ! lock2 !n    
simulat$ surprise v well inde$4  ,! lock
 is brok56 he exclaim$4 ,"s "o has be5  
"h4  ,app>5tly ! travel+ bag _h be5     
undi/urb$ z we took x out4 ,nev]!less1 !
 pap] conta9+ ! t[el 0 gone4  ,?is is no
 joke1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 prote/$ ,manton1 9  
indignation4 ,:]e c ,i hire ab\t a doz5 
good m5 to hang ar\nd & wat*--&--& help 
y get to ! bottom ( ?is8  ,mackay1 )\t  

releas+ 8 grasp ( ! film1 _h be5        
inspect+ ! brok5 lock4  ,look at ! way  
?is 0 done6 he murmur$1 almo/ 9         
admiration4 ,?is wasn't ! "w ( any      
r\ghneck4 ,x--x 0 a da9ty job6          
,,xxvii  ,,! ,,film ,,fire   ,! bag lay 
op5 at my feet4 ,! microscope & o!r     
p>aph]nalia br\ght by ,k5n$y 7 unt\*$4  
,tak+ ! film f ,mackay & plac+ ! c 9 ) !
 o!r ?+s1 ,k5n$y snapp$ ! cat* & turn$  
to me z he /raight5$4  ,i ?9k our       
evid5ce is safe/ 9 pla9 sight1 ,walt]4  
,we'll c>ry x ab\t ) u4  ,lloyd ,manton 
seem$ to be a g5u9ely unhappy           
individual4 ,aft] "s mom5ts he excus$   
himself1 n]v\sly anxi\s ab\t ! turn (   
affairs at ! /udio4 ,imm$iately ,i fac$ 
,k5n$y & ,mackay4  ,manton's ! only "o  
:o knew j :]e we put ! bag1 ,i rem>k$4  
,:5 he left u 9 ! basem5t he _h pl5ty ( 
"t to run up & /eal ! t[el & return4    
,h[ ab\t ! it*+ salve8  ,9 8 hurry he   
might h left ! t[el 9 ! pap]1 int5d+ to 
de/roy x lat]4  ,k5n$y fr[n$4 ,t's      
possible1 ,walt]4 ,i _h n ?\ght ( t4    

,/ill--he bright5$--,i'm c\nt+ on human 
nature4 ,i don't believe anyone guilty (
 ! crime c\ld h t t[el 9 8 possession1  
aft] ! h9ts ,i h ?r[n out1 )\t exam9+ x 
s z to see :at telltale m>k or /a9 w\ld 
be apt to betray 8 id5tity4  ,y c see t 
,manton's ! logical man8  ,x w\ld be    
easy = anyone else to foll[ & obs]ve u4 
,!n--8  ,fir/ ( all we mu/ keep an eye  
out = any p]son %[+ signs ( ! it*+      
concoction4 ,we mu/ obs]ve anyone )     
noticeably clean h&s4 ,pr9cipally1      
h[ev]1 ano!r ?+ worries me4  ,:at's t1  
,mr4 ,k5n$y8 ask$ ,mackay4  ,walt] & ,i 
f\nd a cig>ette case belong+ to ,jack   
,gordon 9 ! basem5t2 also a butt smok$  
?ree-qu>t]s ( ! way d[n & left directly 
9 ! negative room4 ,! fire doors betwe5 
! diff]5t film vaults1 :i* are arrang$ l
 ! safety comp>tm5ts 9 a %ip1 7 all op54
 ,i want to "k :y ,gordon 0 d[n !re     
&--well1 ,i seem to s5se some?+ wrong4  
,good heav5s6 ,craig1 ,i int]pos$4 ,y   
don't atta* any importance to ! fact t  
^? doors 7 op56  ,walt]1 9 a case ( real

 my/]y ! slighte/ d]angem5t ( matt]s (  
ord9>y r\t9e is a cause = suspicion4  ,i
 _h no answ]1 & z we re-ent]$ ! /udio ,i
 devot$ my att5tion to ! v>i\s p we _h  
tabulat$ z possible suspects1 notic+ t  
,k5n$y & ,mackay did likewise4  ,jack   
,gordon 0 9 ! ballroom sc5e 9 make-up4  
,kauf /ill 0 conc]n$ ) te*nical details 
( ! set & light+1 &1 al?\gh ! cam]as 7  
set up1 !y 7 n 9 prop] place1 nor 0 ei!r
 cam]a man 9 evid5ce4 ,) ,gordon 0      
,enid4 ,f a di/ance !y seem$ to be      
engag$ 9 an argum5t ( real magnitude4   
,!re 0 no mi/ak+ ! dislike on ! "p ( ea*
 = ! o!r4  ,m>ilyn 0 ! mo/ uneasy ( all 
( ! pr9cipals4 ,%e 0 pac+ up & d[n1     
glanc+ ab\t 9 frank di/ress ( m9d4 ,i   
look$ at h] h&s & saw t %e _h cru%$ a   
tube ( grease pa9t 9 h] n]v\sness4 ,n   
only h] f+]s 7 soil$1 b !re 7 /reaks on 
h] arms :]e %e _h sme>$ h]self          
unconsci\sly4 ,z we wat*$ %e left !     
/udio1 hurry+ out ! door )\t a backw>d  
glance4 ,m>ilyn1 at lea/1 %[$ no        
indications ( ! salve1 nor ( pa9fully   

rec5t acqua9tance ) wat]4  ,bo? ,manton 
& ,phelps 7 9 evid5ce1 decid$ly s1 ,i   
imag9$1 f1 ! viewpo9t ( poor ,kauf4     
,manton1 at ! heels ( 8 new director1 0 
do+ all he c\ld to help4 ,phelps1 foll[+
 ,manton ab\t1 seem$ to be urg+ ha/e ^u 
! promot]4 ,! result 0 f> f advantage\s 
to picture mak+2 x 0 conc5trat$         
di/raction4  ,mill>d 0 por+ ov] !       
manuscript1 p]*$ ^u a *air ! wrong way s
 t its back w\ld s]ve z a desk1 engag$  
busily 9 mak+ *anges "h & !re 9 ! pages 
) a p5cil4 ,l any au?or1 x 0 nev] too   
late = m9or improvem5ts & sugge/ions4 ,i
 don't d\bt b t if ,manton _h p]mitt$ x1
 ,mill>d w\ld h be5 q apt to int]rupt a 
sc5e 9 ! tak+ 9 ord] to add "s little   
t\* occurr+ to him z 8 action sprang to 
life 9 ! int]pretation ( play]s &       
director4 ,at any rate1 8 h&s seem$ m   
clean ?an ^? ( ei!r ,manton or ,phelps1 
prov+ no?+ because he 0 at a task n s   
apt to br+ him into contact ) dirt4     
,%irley is miss+1 obs]v$ ! di/rict      
attorney1 9 an und]tone4  ,k5n$y fac$   

me4 ,give ! bag to ,mackay1 ,walt]4     
,:ile he keeps an eye on ! p up "h we'll
 pay a visit to ,%irley's dress+ room1 &
 aft] t g d[n to ! basem5t aga94 ,i c't 
acc\nt = x--intuition1 p]haps--b ,i'm   
sure some?+'s wrong4  ,! heavy man's    
dress+ room1 po9t$ out to u by "s       
employee pass+ ?r\gh ! hall1 0 empty4 ,i
 l$ ! way into ,m>ilyn's qu>t]s1 b aga9 
no "o 0 ab\t4 ,9 ea* case ,k5n$y made a 
quick visual se>* = ! t[el1 )\t result4 
,we did n d>e l+] & run ! risk ( giv+   
away our trick2 !n1 too1 ,k5n$y 0       
n]v\sly anxi\s to look ?r\gh ! basem5t  
once m4  ,i don't und]/& y\r suspicion (
 ! /ate ( affairs 9 ! film vaults1 ,i   
confess$4  ,:y %\ld ,jack ,gordon1 !    
lead+ man1 be d[n !re8 he c\nt]$4  ,t--t
 really is a cause = suspicion1 isn't x4
  ,n[1 ,walt]1 ?9k a bit6 ,we 7 cross+ !
 y>d1 & s n apt to be ov]he>d4 ,grant+ t
 ,gordon actually _h be5 d[n !re1 :y    
%\ld ! fact conc]n u8 ,manton expla9$ t 
no negative or positive c be giv5 out   
except ^u ord]4 ,!re is no?+ d[n !re b  

film & s no o!r err& to br+ ! lead+ man 
to ! vault except to get "s sc5es or    
pieces %[+ 8 own "w1 & t isn't likely4  
,unless1 ,i int]rupt$1 ,gordon is !     
guilty man & want$ to get ! snake film  
be=e we did4  ,h[ c\ld t be8 ,:5 we ask$
 ,manton ab\t ! ,doctor ,nagoya subject 
we w5t "r d[n ) him & procur$ x4 ,i d\bt
 anyone c\ld h ov]he>d u z we talk$ ab\t
 x1 9 any case4  ,rememb]1 ,craig1 we   
w5t to ! lock] fir/ & x 0 "s little "t  
be=e t fell[ came out to unlock x & give
 u ! key4 ,& :5 y que/ion$ ,manton we 7 
pass+ "r by all ( !m4 ,any "o c\ld h    
he>d ! m5tion ( ! snake film4  ,k5n$y   
fr[n$4 ,i believe y're "r1 ,walt]4 ,or x
 is possible t ! guilty p]son believ$ t 
! sc5es tak5 out at ,t>ryt[n1 or ^? tak5
 :5 ,w]n] di$1 reveal$ some?+ & s w\ld h
 to be /ol5 or de/roy$1 & t !y 7 kept 9 
! vault4 ,x is ev5 possible--a gleam    
came into ,k5n$y's eyes--x is ev5       
possible t ! m9d sm>t en\gh to reason   
out ! damag+ nature ( ! *emical analyses
 ,i 0 mak+1 & clev] en\gh to utilize an 

explosive bullet 9 an ef=t to de/roy !  
fruits ( my "w1 w\ld also h ! =esight to
 anticipate me & to realize t ,i might  
guess ! exi/5ce ( a film %[+ snakes &   
sugge/+ ! use ( v5om4  ,x's damn+ to    
,gordon1 all "r1 ,i said4  ,on !        
contr>y1 ,walt]4 ,k5n$y l[]$ 8 voice z  
we ent]$ ! build+ across ! quadrangle & 
desc5d$ /airs lead+ directly into !     
basem5t4 ,we h m5tion$ ov] & ov] aga9 ! 
clev]ness ( our unkn[n crim9al4 ,t man1 
or woman1 nev] w\ld drop a cig>ette case
 ) 8 or h] initials & leave )\t x1 nor  
smoke a cig>ette 9 a place he1 or %e1 0 
n suppos$ to be4  ,:at !n8  ,x's a      
plant2 a delib]ate plant to ?r[         
suspicion ^u ,gordon4  ,:y ^u ,gordon8  
,i don't "k t1 unless because ,gordon is
 suppos$ to h ! be/ possible motive =   
kill+ ,miss ,lam>--8 money tr\bles--& s 
becomes ! logical man to ?r[ ! guilt ^u4
  ,z a matt] ( fact1 ,craig1 :y %\ld !  
f9d+ ( t cig>ette case be a cause =     
suspicion at all8 ,t's :at ,i didn't    
und]/& be=e4  ,ord9>ily x w\ldn't be4 ,b

 ^? op5 inn] doors1 ! abs5ce ( ! man 9  
*>ge--isn't x possible t we int]rupt$ an
 attempt n only to se>* = ! p>ticul>    
damag+ pieces ( film1 b p]haps to de/roy
 ! :ole8 ,if "s "o act$ betwe5 ! "t ,i  
ask$ ,manton ab\t ! snake film & ! mom5t
 we arriv$ 9 ! basem5t to get x1 t "s "o
 _h to move v fa/4  ,9 :i* case x might 
h be5 ,gordon1 aft] all4 ,! cig>ette /ub
 may h be5 ?r[n 9 light$ to />t a fire4 
,he may n h _h "t to pick up ! case1 n  
kn[+ j :]e he dropp$ x4  ,k5n$y %rugg$ 8
 %\ld]s4 ,x all %[s ! futility ( try+ to
 arrive at a conclusion )\t def9ite     
facts4 ,t is :]e sci5ce is sup]ior to   
d$uction4  ,x's all a maze to me j n[1  
,i agre$4  ,we made our way to ! vaults 
9 sil5ce1 &1 to our surprise1 f\nd t !y 
7 clos$ & t ev5 ! boy 0 gone n[4 ,!     
cell>1 z a :ole1 probably = ! purpose ( 
fire protection on a l>g] scale1 0      
divid$ into sections correspond+ to !   
units ( ! build+s above1 & ?is "t ,i    
notic$ t ! door ?r\gh :i* we _h arriv$  
be=e 0 clos$ also4 ,_h ,manton tak5     

fright 9 e>ne/ at ! possibility ( fire1 
or _h he giv5 8 employees a g5u9e sc>e8 
,we retrac$ our /eps to ! y>d1 & !re !  
al]t eye ( ,k5n$y detect$ a sl9k+ figure
 j z a man d>t$ into ! protection ( a   
doorway4 ,x 0 ,%irley4 ,_h he be5 wat*+ 
u8 ,0 he connect$ 9 "s way ) ! vague    
my/]y ,k5n$y seem$ to s5se 9 connection 
) ! basem5t & ! film vaults8  ,k5n$y l$ 
! way to ! entrance :]e ,%irley _h      
disappe>$4 ,"h !re 0 no sign ( him2 only
 /eps lead+ up & d[n & ! op5 door to a  
huge develop+ room4 ,return+ to ! y>d1  
we caught a ge/ure f ! *auffeur ( a c>  
/&+ ne> by & recogniz$ ,mc,groarty1 !   
driv] :o _h f\nd ! ampulla a few days   
previ\sly4  ,excuse me1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 he 
apologiz$1 z we approa*$4 ,i %\ld h come
 to y in/ead ( mak+ y two walk ov] to   
me1 b x's less suspici\s ?is way4  ,:at 
d y mean8  ,y recognize me1 ,mc,groarty1
 ! *auffeur z f\nd ! little bottle8     
,k5n$y nodd$4  ,well1 ,i says to myself 
,i ought to tell y1 b ,i don't l to     
because x might be no?+1 y "k6  ,x might

 prove v valuable1 ,mc,groarty4 ,k5n$y  
want$ to enc\rage him4  ,well1 ,i've be5
 sitt+ "h = an h\r1 ,i guess4 ,"o ( !   
o!r directors is go+ out to-day & 8 p   
are late & s "h ,i am4 ,well1 ,i don't l
 ! way ! heavy man ,mr4 ,w]n] _h--      
,%irley8 ,m]le ,%irley8 ,i spoke up4    
,t's him6 ,well1 he's be51 hang+ &      
snoop+ ar\nd t build+ ov] !re1 :]e y j  
saw him1 = tw5ty m9utes or m4 ,i guess  
he's gone 9 & out ( t basem5t a doz5    
times4 ,i says to myself1 maybe he's up 
to some?+4 ,y "k h[ x is8  ,k5n$y glanc$
 at me significantly4 ,!n he ext5d$ 8 h&
 to ! *auffeur4 ,aga9 ,i ?ank y1        
,mc,groarty4 ,z ,i said be=e1 ,i won't  
=get y4  ,n[ :at8 ,i ask$1 z we drew    
away4  ,%irley's dress+ room1 & ! /udio 
floor & ,mackay4  ,z we r expect$1 !    
heavy man's qu>t]s 7 des]t$4 ,i ?\ght t 
,k5n$y w\ld /op n[ to make a c>eful     
se>*1 b he seem$ anxi\s to comp>e notes 
) ! di/rict attorney4  ,no?+ "h1 report$
 ,mackay4  ,%irley8  ,hasn't be5 a sign 
( him4  ,i look$ ab\t ! mom5t we arriv$ 

"u ! big glass ro(4 ,m>ilyn ,lor+8 ,i   
inquir$4  ,%e's be5 miss+1 too6 ,all at 
once ,mackay gr9n$ broadly4 ,y "k1 ei!r 
!re's no effici5cy 9 mak+ mov+ pictures 
at all1 or ^! p h all gone m or less out
 ( _! heads z ! result ( ! two trag$ies4
 ,look6 ,he po9t$4 ,:5 y left me ,phelps
 & ,manton 7 /epp+ on ea* o!r's toes1   
try+ to help t new director & ab\t half 
driv+ him crazy2 & n[ ,mill>d seems to h
 figur$ out "s new way ( h&l+ ! action &
 he's ov] 9 ! ?ick ( x4 ,x's worse ?an  
,b$lam1 & bett] ?an a ,*apl9 com$y4  ,i 
0 compell$ to smile1 al?\gh ,i knew t   
?is 0 n uncommon 9 picture /udios4      
,manton1 ,phelps1 ,mill>d1 & ,kauf 7 9 !
 c5t] ( ! gr\p1 all talk+ at once4      
,clu/]$ ab\t ,i saw ,enid & ,gordon1 bo?
 cam]a m51 & a m9iature mob ( extra p4  
,b z ,i look$ little ,kauf seem$ to come
 to ! end ( 8 pati5ce4 ,9 an in/ant or  
two he demon/rat$ real g5]al%ip4 ,%utt+ 
up ,manton & ! bank] & ,mill>d ) a gr91 
b ) %>p words & a quick ge/ure :i* %[$ t
 he meant x1 he call$ to ! o!rs ga!r$   

ab\t1 cle>+ ! set ( all b ,enid &       
,gordon4 ,he s5t ! cam]a m5 to _!       
places2 !n confront$ ,phelps & ,manton &
 ! sc5>io writ] once m4 ,we c\ld n he> 8
 words1 b c\ld see t he 0 ass]t+        
himself1 0 =c+ a decision s t he c\ld   
proce$ ) 8 "w4  ,?is seem$ un9t]e/+ to  
me4 ,i rememb]$ my success 9 my visit to
 ,w]n]'s ap>tm5t1 :5 ,i _h essay$ ! role
 ( detective4  ,li/51 ,k5n$y6 ,i        
sugge/$4 ,suppose ,i g out by myself &  
see if ,i c locate ,%irley or ,m>ilyn4  
,ev]yone else is "r "h :]e y c--  ,at t 
in/ant a deaf5+ explosion %ook ! /udio &
 e build+ ab\t ! quadrangle1 ! s\nd e*o+
 & re-e*o+ ) ! %>pness ( a t]rific      
?und]clap4  ,mix$ ) ! rev]b]ations1 :i* 
7 int5sifi$ by ! high ar* ( ! /udio ro(1
 7 ! screams ( wom5 & ! fright5$ calls (
 m54 ,foll[+ imm$iately ^u ! fir/ ro> 7 
! muffl$ s\nds ( additional explosions1 
p]si/+ = a matt] ( t5 to fifte5 seconds4
  ,) e detonation ! floor b5ea? our feet
 trembl$ & rock$4 ,sev]al flats ( sc5]y 
/ack$ aga9/ a wall at our re> toppl$    

=w>d & /ruck ! floor ) a res\nd+ :ack1 n
 unlike "s gigantic slap-/ick4 ,"o      
entire side ( ! banquet set1 luckily    
unoccupi$1 fell inw>d & ,i caught ! s\nd
 z ! da9ty gold *airs & fragile tables  
snapp$ & 7 cru%$ z s mu* k9dl+ wood4    
,!n--a fitt+ climax ( de/ruction1 )held 
until ?is mom5t--!re foll[$ ! t]rify+   
snap ( /eel f above4 ,an entire section 
( ro( lit]ally 0 popp$ f place1 ! result
 ( false /resses 9 ! beams creat$ by !  
explosion4 ,^u ! heads ( ! unlucky gr\p 
9 ! c5t] ( ! ballroom set came a p]fect 
hail/orm ( brok5 & %att]$ bits ( heavy  
gr\nd glass4  ,= an in/ant1 an exce$+ly 
brief in/ant1 !re 0 ! illusion ( sil5ce4
 ,! next mom5t ! factory sir5 rose to a 
%rill %riek1 ) a full head ( /eam beh9d 
x--! fire call6  ,k5n$y da%$ ov] to !   
sc5e :]e ^? b5ea? ! %[] ( glass lay1    
daz$ & unc]ta9 ( ! ext5t ( _! own       
injuries4  ,:]e are ! fir/-aid kits8 he 
%\t$4 ,br+ cotton & b&ages1 &--&        
telephone = a doctor1 an ambulance6  ,x 
seem$ to me t ,k5n$y _h nev] be5 s      

excit$4 ,mackay & ,i1 at 8 heels1 & "s (
 ! o!rs1 unhurt1 hurri$ly help$ ! v>i\s 
victims to _! feet4  ,!n we realiz$ t by
 "s miracle1 "s freak ( fate1 no "o _h  
be5 hurt s]i\sly4 ,already a prop]ty boy
 0 at ,k5n$y's side ) a huge box m>k$   
prom95tly ) ! r$ cross4 ,inside 0 ev]y?+
 necess>y & ,k5n$y />t$ to b9d up !     
w\nds ) all ! skill ( a pr(essional     
physician4  ,mackay1 he :isp]$1 hurry & 
get me "s envelopes1 or "s %eets ( pap]1
 any?+--quick6 ,& to me1 be=e ,i c\ld   
grasp ! reason = t puzzl+ reque/3 ,don't
 let anyone slip away1 ,walt]4 ,no matt]
 :at happ5s1 ,i mu/ b9d up ^! w\nds     
myself4  ,a few mom5ts lat] ,i und]/ood 
:at ,k5n$y 0 up to4 ,z he f9i%$ ) ea*   
victim he took "s bit ( cotton or gauze 
) :i* he _h wip$ _! cuts1 en\gh blood to
 s]ve him 9 *emical analysis1 & h&$ x to
 ,mackay4 ,! di/rict attorney1 v        
unobtrusively1 slipp$ ea* sample into a 
sep>ate envelope1 seal+ x1 & m>k+ x ) a 
hi]oglyph :i* he w\ld be able to id5tify
 lat]4 ,9 ?is fa%ion ,k5n$y secur$ blood

 sme>s ( ,manton & ,phelps1 ,mill>d &   
,kauf & ,enid1 ,gordon1 ! two cam]a m51 
& a sc5e %ift]4 ,i smil$ to myself4     
,mean:ile a bitt]1 acrid odor p5etrat$  
?r\gh ! w9d[s & to e "p ( ! /ructure1 ! 
odor ( burn+ film1 an odor "o nev] =gets
 to fe>4 ,all ^? un9jur$ 9 ! explosions 
_h ru%$ out to see ! fire1 or else to   
escape f any fur!r dang]1 ! mom5t !y    
recov]$ _! wits4 ,manton1 only cut at ! 
wri/1 & impati5t z ,k5n$y clean$1 du/$1 
& b\nd ! w\nd1 0 ! fir/ to receive      
att5tion4  ,! vaults6 he call$1 to ! m5 
:o seem$ dispos$ to l+] ab\t4 ,= ,god's 
sake get busy6 ,! next in/ant he 0 gone 
himself4  ,enid 0 cut on ! head4 ,te>s  
/ream$ f h] eyes z %e clung to ,k5n$y's 
coat1 trembl+4 ,w x make a sc>8 %e      
sobb$4 ,w ,i be unable to act be=e !    
cam]a any m8  ,he reassur$ h]4 ,9 ! case
 ( ,mill>d1 :o _h sev]al bad scalp      
w\nds1 he advis$ a trip to a doctor1 b !
 sc5>io writ] laugh$4 ,phelps 0 yell[4  
,x seem$ to me t he :imp]$ a bit4       
,gordon 0 dispos$ to swe> *e]fully1     

al?\gh a po9t ( glass _h p5etrat$ deep 9
 8 %\ld] & ano!r piece _h ga%$ him      
across ! =ehead4  ,f9ally ,k5n$y 0      
?r\gh4 ,he pack$ ! little envelopes 9 ! 
bag1 /ill 9 ! possession ( ,mackay1 &   
add$ ! two rolls ( film f 8 pocket4 ,!n1
 = ! fir/ "t1 he lock$ x4  ,z he        
/raight5$1 8 eyes n>r[$4  ,n[ = ,%irley1
 he mutt]$4  ,& ,m>ilyn1 ,i add$4       
,,xxviii  ,,! ,,phosphorus ,,bomb   ,we 
ru%$ out into ! c\rty>d1 ,k5n$y 9 !     
lead1 ,mackay trail+ ) ! bag4 ,"h !re 7 
d5se cl\ds ( f9e :ite suffocat+ smoke   
mix$ ) /eam1 & signs ( ! utmo/ confusion
 on e h&4 ,because ,manton1 =tunately1  
_h tra9$ ! /udio /aff ?r\gh frequ5t fire
 drills1 !re 0 a semblance ( ord] among 
! m5 actually engag$ 9 fight+ ! spread (
 ! blaze4 ,any attempt to ext+ui% !     
conflagration 9 ! vault itself 0        
hopeless1 h[ev]1 & s ! work]s cont5t$   
!mselves ) p\r+ wat] into ! basem5t on  
ei!r side1 to keep ! build+ & p]haps !  
o!r vaults cool1 & ) ma9ta9+ a con/ant  
/ream ( *emical mixture f a special     

app>atus d[n ! v5tilat+ sy/em into & ^u 
! smold]+ film4  ,! /udio fire equipm5t 
seem$ to be v complete4 ,!re 0 wat] at  
high pressure f a tank elevat$ "s tw5ty 
to ?irty feet above ! upp]mo/ ro( ( !   
quadrangle4 ,9 addition ,manton _h      
inve/$ 9 ! *emical eng9e & also 9 s&    
c>ts1 because wat] aids r ?an ret>ds !  
combu/ion ( film itself4 ,i notic$ t !  
promot] 0 9 direct *>ge ( !             
fire-fight]s1 & t he mov$ ab\t ) a zeal 
& a recklessness :i* end$ = once & all 9
 my m9d ! suspicion t ,phelps might be  
correct & t ,manton s\ght to wreck ?is  
company = ! sake ( ,=tune ,features4  ,9
 an amaz+ly quick space ( "t ! ?+ 0 ov]4
 ,:5 ! city app>atus arriv$1 aft] a run 
( ne>ly ?ree miles1 !re 0 no?+ = !m to  
d4 ,! *ief s\ght out ,manton1 to        
accompany him ^u an inspection ( !      
damage & to make sure t ! fire 0 out4 ,!
 promot] fir/ beckon$ to ,k5n$y4  ,?is  
is unque/ionably ( inc5di>y orig91 he   
expla9$ to ! *ief4 ,i want ,mr4 ,k5n$y  
to see ev]y?+ be=e x is di/urb$1 s t no 

clue may be lo/ or de/roy$4  ,! fire    
(fic] bright5$4 ,craig ,k5n$y8 he       
inquir$4 ,gee6 !re mu/ be "s connection 
betwe5 ! blaze & ! murd] ( ,/ella ,lam> 
& h] director4 ,i've be5 read+ ab\t x e 
day 9 ! pap]s4  ,mr4 ,jameson ( ! ,/>1  
,k5n$y said1 pres5t+ me4  ,we f\nd we   
c\ld n ent] ! basem5t imm$iately adjo9+ 
! vaults--t is1 directly f !            
c\rty>d--because x seem$ advisable to   
keep a /ream ( wat] play+ d[n ! /eps1 & 
a result+ cl\d ( /eam block$ u4 ,manton 
expla9$ t we c\ld get ?r\gh f ! next    
cell> if x 0 n too hot1 & s we hurri$   
t[>d ano!r entrance4  ,mackay1 :o _h    
rema9$ beh9d to protect ! bag f ! heat1 
jo9$ u !re4  ,i've put ! bag 9 *>ge ( t 
*auffeur1 ,mc,groarty1 & arm$ him ) my  
automatic1 he expla9$4 ,he paus$ to wipe
 8 eyes4 ,! fumes f ! film _h di/ress$  
all ( u4 ,%irley & ,m>ilyn ,lor+ are bo?
 miss+ /ill1 he add$4 ,i've be5 ask+    
ev]yone ab\t !m4 ,no "o has se5 !m4  ,! 
fire *ief look$ up4 ,ev]yone is out8 ,y 
are sure ev]ybody is safe8  ,i _h       

,wagnalls at my elb[ ) a hose1 ,manton  
repli$4 ,i saw ! boy ar\nd1 also4 ,no "o
 else _h any bus9ess d[n !re & ! vaults 
7 clos$ & ! cell> %ut (f4  ,! door lead+
 f ! adjo9+ basem5t 0 hot yet1 b n s t  
we 7 unable to h&le x4 ,h[ev]1 ! cat* _h
 /uck & x took consid]able ef=t to =ce x
 94 ,z we did s a cl\d ( acrid vapor &  
/eam drove u back4  ,!n ,k5n$y seem$ to 
detect some?+ 9 ! sl[ly cle>+ atmosph]e4
 ,he ru%$ ahead )\t hesitation4 ,! fire 
*ief foll[$4 ,9 ano!r in/ant ,i 0 able  
to see also4  ,! =m ( a woman1 dimly    
outl9$ 9 ! vapor1 /ruggl$ to lift !     
prone figure ( a man4 ,aft] "o ef=t %e  
collaps$ ^u him4 ,i da%$ =w>d1 z did    
,mackay & ,manton4 ,two ( !m c>ri$ !    
girl out to ! air2 ! o!r ?ree ( u br\ght
 h] unconsci\s companion4 ,x 0 ,m>ilyn &
 ,%irley4  ,! little actress 0 reviv$   
easily1 b ,%irley requir$ ! comb9$ ef=ts
 ( ,k5n$y & ! *ief1 & x 0 evid5t t he _h
 escap$ dea? f suffocation only by !    
n>r[e/ ( m>g9s4 ,h[ ei!r _h surviv$     
seem$ a my/]y4 ,_! clo!s 7 wet1 _! faces

 & h&s black5$1 eyebr[s & la%es scor*$  
by ! heat4 ,b = ! wat] p\r$ into !      
basem5t nei!r w\ld h be5 alive4 ,!y _h  
be5 prison]s dur+ ! entire              
conflagration1 ! burn+ vault hold+ !m at
 "o end ( ! basem5t1 ! door 9 ! p>tition
 resi/+ _! ef=ts to op5 x4  ,?ank heav5 
he's alive6 7 ,m>ilyn's fir/ words4  ,h[
 did y get 9 ! cell>8 ,k5n$y spoke      
/]nly4  ,i ?\ght he might be !re4 ,n[ t 
! reaction 0 sett+ 91 ! girl 0 fa9t & %e
 controll$ h]self ) difficulty4 ,i 0    
look+ = him & z soon z ,i he>d ! fir/   
explosion ,i ran d[n ! /eps into !      
film-vault entrance--,i 0 "r ne> !re--& 
,i f\nd him1 /unn$4 ,i />t$ to lift him1
 b !re 7 o!r explosions almo/ be=e ,i   
got to 8 side4 ,! flames %ot out ?r\gh !
 cracks 9 ! vault door & ,i--,i c\ldn't 
drag him to ! /eps2 ,i _h to pull him   
back :]e y f\nd u4 ,%e began to tremble4
 ,x--x 0 t]rible6  ,0 !re anyone else   
ab\t1 anyone b ,mr4 ,%irley8  ,no4      
,i--,i rememb] ,i wond]$ ab\t ! vault   
man4  ,:at 0 ,mr4 ,%irley d[n !re =1    

,miss ,lor+8  ,he--%e hesitat$--he said 
he _h se5 "s "o hang+ ar\nd &--& he     
didn't want to report any?+ until he 0  
sure4 ,he--he ?\ght he c\ld accompli% m 
by himself1 al?\gh ,i told him he 0--0  
wrong4  ,:om did he see hang+ ar\nd8    
,he w\ldn't tell me4  ,%irley 0 too weak
 to "q & ! girl too un/rung to /& fur!r 
int]rogation4 ,9 response to ,manton's  
call sev]al p came up & will+ly help$ ! 
two t[>d ! com=t ( _! dress+ rooms4  ,at
 ! fire *ief's sugge/ion ! /ream ( wat] 
into ! basem5t 0 cut (f4 ,manton l$ !   
way1 *ok+1 eyes wat]+1 to ! front ( !   
vaults4 ,fev]i%ly he felt ! /eel doors &
 ! walls4 ,!re 0 no mi/ak+ ! conclusion4
 ,! negative vault 0 hot1 ! o!rs cold4  
,! devil6 ,manton exclaim$4 ,a deep     
poignancy 9 8 voice made ! expression   
*ildi%ly inadequate4 ,:y c\ldn't x h be5
 ! pr9ts6 ,sudd5ly he began to sob4 ,t's
 ! f9i%4 ,n "o ( our subjects c ev] be  
work$ aga94 ,x's a loss ( half a million
 doll>s4  ,if y h positives1 ,k5n$y     
ask$1 c't y make new negatives8  ,dupes8

 ,manton look$ up 9 scorn4 ,did y ev]   
see a pr9t f a dupe negative8 ,x's      
t]rible4 ,looks l "s "o left x out 9 !  
wet ov]night4  ,h[ ab\t ! ',black       
,t]ror'8 ,i inquir$4  ,all ( t's 9 !    
safe 9 ! pr9t+ room2 t & ! two curr5t   
five reel]s ( ! o!r companies4 ,we won't
 lose our releases1 b--aga9 !re 0 a cat*
 9 8 voice--we c\ld h cle>$ ?\s&s &     
?\s&s ( doll>s on reissues4 ,all--all ( 
,/ella's negative is gone1 too6 ,to my  
amazem5t he began to cry1 )\t attempt at
 concealm5t4 ,x 0 some?+ new to me 9 !  
way ( mov+-picture temp]am5t4 ,fir/ !y  
kill h] & n[--n[ !y de/roy !            
photographic record :i* w\ld h let h]   
live = ^? :o lov$ h]4 ,!--8 voice trail$
 away to ! m]e/ :isp] z he seem$ to     
collapse aga9/ ! hot smok$ wall--!      
devil6  ,! fire *ief took *>ge ( ! job (
 break+ into ! vault4 ,fir/ ,wagnalls   
attempt$ to op5 ! comb9ation ( ! f>!r   
door1 b ! heat _h put ! tumbl]s out (   
commission4 ,return+ to ! entrance ( !  
negative vault itself1 ! ?9 /eel1       

manufactur$ = fire r ?an burgl>         
protection1 0 punctur$ & ! bolts driv5  
back4 ,a cl\d ( noxi\s fumes greet$ !   
work]s & delay$ !m1 b !y p]si/$4 ,f9ally
 ! door fell out ) a cra% & m5 7 set to 
fann+ fre% air into ! int]ior :ile a    
piece ( *emical app>atus 0 held 9       
read9ess = any fur!r outbreak ( !       
conflagration4  ,manton rega9$ control (
 himself 9 "t to be "o ( ! fir/ to ent]4
 ,mackay held back1 b ! fire *ief1 !    
promot]1 ,k5n$y1 & myself fa%ion$       
impromptu gasmasks ( wet h&k]*iefs &    
brav$ ! hot atmosph]e inside ! room4  ,!
 damage 0 irrem$iable4 ,! /eel frames ( 
! racks1 ! *eap] metal ( ! boxes1 !     
residue ( ! burn+ film1 all con/itut$ a 
hide\s1 %apeless mass cl++ aga9/ ! sides
 & 9 ! corn]s & ab\t ! floor4 ,only "o  
section ( ! room reta9$ ! slighte/      
sugge/ion ( its orig9al condition4 ,!   
little table & ! boxes ( negative       
records1 ! edges ( ! racks :i* _h /ood  
at ei!r side1 %[$ some?+ ( _! =m] %ape &
 purpose4 ,?is 0 directly b5ea? !       

v5tilat+ op5+4 ,"h ! *emical mixture    
pump$ 9 to ext+ui% ! fire _h pres]v$ !m 
to t ext5t4  ,all at once ,k5n$y nudg$ !
 fire *ief4 ,put out y\r tor*6 he       
direct$1 %>ply4  ,9 ! d>kness !re sl[ly 
appe>$ "h & !re on ! walls a gho/ly     
blui% gl[ p]si/+ 9 spite ( ! coat+ (    
soot on ev]y?+4  ,k5n$y's ke5 eye _h    
caught ! h9t ( x :ile ! electric tor* _h
 be5 fla%$ into "s corn] & away = a     
mom5t4  ,radium6 ,i exclaim$1 entirely  
)\t ?\ght4  ,k5n$y laugh$4 ,h>dly6 ,b x 
is phosphorus1 )\t "q4  ,:at d y make ( 
t8 ,! fire *ief 0 curi\s4  ,let's get   
out6 0 ,k5n$y's reply4  ,inde$1 x 0     
almo/ impossible = u to keep our eyes   
op51 because ( ! sm>t+1 &1 m1 ! odor 0  
nauseat+4 ,a gu>d 0 po/$ & 9 ! c\rty>d1 
disreg>d+ ! curi\s cr[d ab\t1 ,k5n$y    
ask$ = ,wagnalls & began to "q him4  ,:5
 did y close ! vaults8  ,ab\t two h\rs  
be=e ! fire4 ,mr4 ,manton s5t = me4  ,0 
!re any?+ suspici\s at t "t8  ,no1 sir6 
,i w5t ?r\gh ea* room myself & fix$ !   
doors4 ,t's :y ! fire 0 conf9$ to !     

negatives4  ,h y any idea :y ! doors 7  
op5 :5 we w5t ?r\gh8  ,no1 sir6 ,i left 
!m %ut & ! boy ,i put !re :ile ,i w5t   
ov] to ,mc,cann's said no "o 0 ne>4     
,he--,wagnalls hesitat$4 ,once he w5t to
 sleep :5 ,i left him !re4 ,p]haps he   
doz$ (f aga94  ,:y did y leave8 ,:y g   
ov] to ,mc,cann's 9 bus9ess h\rs8  ,we'd
 work$ until aft] midnight ! night be=e4
 ,i _h to op5 up e>ly & s ,i figur$ ,i'd
 h my breakfa/ 9 ! usual morn+ slack    
"t--:5 no?+'s do+4  ,i see6 ,k5n$y /udi$
 ! gr\nd = sev]al mom5ts4 ,d y suppose  
anyone c\ld h left a package 9 !re--a   
bomb1 9 o!r words8  ,wagnalls's eyes    
wid5$1 b he %ook 8 head4 ,i'd notice x1 
sir6 ,if ,i d say x1 ,i'm neat4 ,i      
g5]ally notice if a c has be5 t\*$4 ,!y 
don't (t5 fool me4  ,well1 has any      
regul> /uff be5 br\ght to y to put away2
 any?+ :i* might h hidd5 an explosive8  
,aga9 ,wagnalls %ook 8 head4 ,i put no?+
 away or give no?+ out except on writt5 
ord] f ,mr4 ,manton4 ,any?+ com+ 9 is   
negative & x's 9 rolls1 & ,i reh&le !m  

because !y're put away 9 ! flat boxes4  
,i'd "k 9 a m9ute if a roll 0 phony4    
,y're sure no?+ special--  ,holy        
,jeho%aphat6 int]rupt$ ,wagnalls4 ,i'd  
=gott56 ,he fac$ ,manton4 ,rememb] t c (
 undevelop$ /uff1 a two-hundr$ roll8 ,he
 turn$ to ,k5n$y1 expla9+4 ,:5          
negative's undevelop$ we keep x 9 tap$  
cans4 ,take (f ! tape & y spoil x--!    
light1 y "k4 ,mr4 ,manton s5t d[n ?is c 
) a regul> ord]1 m>k+ on x t "s "o _h to
 come to wat* x be+ develop$--9 ab\t a  
week4 ,( c\rse ,i didn't op5 ! c or look
 9 x4 ,i put x up on top ( a rack4  ,:5 
0 ?is8  ,ab\t f\r days ago--! day ,miss 
,lam> 0 kill$4  ,! expression on        
,manton's face 0 gha/ly4 ,i didn't s5d  
d[n any c to y1 ,wagnalls1 he insi/$4   
,x 0 y\r writ+1 sir6  ,k5n$y rose4 ,:at 
did y d ) ord]s l t1 su* z ! "o y claim 
came ) ! c ( undevelop$ negative8  ,put 
!m on ! sp9dle on t table 9 ! vault4    
,wet y\r h&k]*ief & come %[ me4  ,:5 !y 
return$ ,k5n$y _h ! sp9dle 9 8 h&1 !    
*>r$ pap]s /ill 9 place4 ,?is 0 "o ( !  

items pres]v$ 9 "p by ! *emical spray   
?r\gh ! v5tilat+ op5+ above4  ,c y po9t 
out :i* "o x is8 ,k5n$y ask$4  ,let's   
see6 ,wagnalls scrat*$ 8 head4 ,next to 
! top1 he repli$1 9 a mom5t4 ,miss      
,lam>'s dea? upset ev]y?+4 ,only "o ord]
 came d[n aft] t4  ,) extreme c>e ,k5n$y
 took 8 knife & lift$ ! a%y flakes ( !  
top ord]4 ,get me "s collodion1         
somebody6 he exclaim$4  ,wagnalls jump$ 
up & hurri$ (f4  ,! fire *ief lean$     
=w>d4 ,d y ?9k1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 t ! little 
c he told y ab\t />t$ ! fire8  ,i'm sure
 ( x1 al?\gh ,i'll nev] be able to prove
 x4  ,h[ did x "w8  ,well1 ,i imag9e a  
small roll ( v dry film 0 put 9 to      
occupy a "p ( ! space4 ,film is exce$+ly
 inflammable1 especially :5 old &       
brittle4 ,9 composition x is practically
 guncotton & s a high explosive4 ,9 ?is 
rec5t w>1 ,i rememb]1 ! ,g]mans dra9$ ! 
neutral c\ntries ( film subjects until  
we woke up to :at !y 7 do+1 :ile 9 ?is  
c\ntry scrap film comm&$ an amaz+ price 
& w5t directly into ! manufacture (     

explosives4 ,!n ,i figure t a quantity (
 wet phosphorus 0 add$1 to fill ! c1 & t
 !n ! c 0 tap$4 ,! tape1 ( c\rse1 is n  
moi/ure pro( entirely4 ,) ! dampness f  
)9 x w\ld s(t51 might possibly fall (f4 
,9 a relatively %ort "t ! phosphorus    
w\ld dry & burn4 ,imm$iately ! film 9 ! 
c w\ld ignite4 ,z happ5$1 x blew up1 a  
m9or explosion1 b en\gh to scatt]       
phosphorus ev]y:]e4 ,t1 9 ! fume-lad5   
air ( ! vault--!re are always fumes 9   
spite ( ! be/ v5tilation sy/em          
made--caus$ ! fir/ big bla/ & />t$ all !
 damage4  ,mackay _h rejo9$ u 9 "t to   
he> ! explanation4 ,+5i\s1 he murmur$4  
,z +5i\s z ! me?ods us$ to murd] ! girl 
& h] director4  ,brea?less1 ,wagnalls   
return$ ) ! collodion4 ,we wat*$        
curi\sly z ,k5n$y p\r$ x ov] ! *>r$     
rema9s ( ! second ord] on ! sp9dle4 ,x  
seem$ almo/ inconceivable t ! remnants (
 ! *>r$ pap] w\ld ev5 support ! weight (
 ! liquid1 yet ,k5n$y us$ x ) c>e1 &    
sl[ly ! collodion h>d5$ be=e u1 creat+ a
 t\gh transp>5t coat+ :i* held ! t9y    

fib]s ( ! slip toge!r4 ,at ! same "t !  
action ( ! collodion made ! lett]s on ! 
ord] fa9tly visible & readable4  ,a     
little-kn[n bank trick6 ,k5n$y told u4  
,!n he held ! slip up to ! light & !    
words 7 pla94 ,wagnalls _h be5 correct4 
,! ord] f ,manton 0 unmi/akable4 ,! c 0 
to be kept 9 ! negative vault = a week  
)\t be+ op5$1 until a c]ta9 p>ty unnam$ 
0 to come to wat* ! developm5t ( ! film4
  ,! promot] wet 8 lips1 uneasily4      
,i--,i nev] wrote t6 ,x--x's my writ+1  
all "r1 & my signature1 b x's a =g]y6   
,,xxix  ,,microscopic ,,evid5ce   ,k5n$y
 made "s ef=ts to pres]ve ! =g$ ord] :i*
 he _h re/or$ ) ! collodion1 b ,i c\ld  
see t he plac$ no great importance ^u   
its possession4 ,gradually ! y>d ( !    
/udio _h cle>$ ( ! employees1 :o _h     
return$ to _! v>i\s tasks4 ,"u !        
direction ( "o /\t individual :o seem$  
to possess au?ority ! fire app>atus _h  
be5 replac$ 9 a portable /eel g>age     
arrang$ = ! purpose 9 a f>!r corn]1 & n[
 sev]al m5 7 engag$ 9 clean+ up ! dirt &

 litt] caus$ 9 ! excitem5t4  ,except 9 !
 basem5t !re 7 few signs ( ! blaze4     
,manton accompani$ ! fire *ief to 8 c>1 
!n hurri$ up into ! build+ )\t fur!r    
notice ( u4 ,mackay w5t to ,mc,groarty's
 ma*9e to claim ! travel+ bag conta9+   
our evid5ce4 ,k5n$y & ,i />t$ = ! dress+
 rooms4  ,i want to get blood sme>s (   
,%irley & ,m>ilyn1 he confid$ 9 a l[    
voice4 ,i %all h to ?9k ( "s pretext4   
,nei!r ( ! two we s\ght 7 9 _! qu>t]s & 
s we cont9u$ on into ! /udio4 ,"h we    
f\nd ,kauf at "w2 at lea/ he 0 engag$ 9 
a desp]ate attempt to get some?+ out ( 8
 p4  ,ye gods1 ,gordon6 we he>d him     
exclaim1 z we made our way ?r\gh !      
debris ( ! banquet set to ! ballroom n[ 
dazzl+ly bright "u ! lights4 ,:at if y d
 h to we> a b&age ar\nd y\r head8 ,x's a
 mask$ ball1 isn't x8 ,y've got a monk's
 c[l ov] ev]y?+ b y\r features1 hav5't  
y8  ,x /ruck me t ! faces _h nev] be5 m 
gha/ly1 al?\gh my reason conv9c$ me x 0 
simply ! usual effect ( ! ,coop]-,hewitt
 tubes4 ,b !re 0 no "q b t ! explosion  

_h giv5 ev]yone a bad fright1 t n an    
actress or actor b w\ld h pref]r$ to h  
be5 ne>ly any:]e else b "u ! heat ( !   
glass ro(1 n[ a con/ant rem9d] ( !      
accid5t because ( ! gap+ hole directly  
above !m4  ,m>ilyn 0 9 ! c5t] ( !       
revel]s 9 ! set1 already 9 co/ume4      
,%irley ,i saw close to ! cam]a m51 /&+ 
uneasily on %aky legs1 %ield+ 8 eyes )  
"o h& :ile he clung to a massive        
sidebo>d = support ) ! o!r4 ,he _h n yet
 donn$ 8 c>nival clo!s1 nor essay$ to   
put on a make-up4  ,enid ,faye1 ! only  
"o 9 sight ^: spirits seem$ to h ralli$ 
at all1 0 (f]+ him com=t ( a sort4      
,y'll get by1 all "r1 ,m]le1 if y c keep
 on y\r p9s1 & ,i'll say y des]ve cr$it 
= try+ x4 ,!re's--%e /epp$ back a bit to
 /udy him--!re's j "o ?+4 ,y\r eyes %[ !
 result ( all t smoke & vapor--no color 
or lu/] at all4 ,i--,i wond] if         
belladonna w\ldn't bright5 !m up a bit  
&--well1 get y by1 = to-day8  ,i'll g   
out & get "s at lun*4 ,he smil$ weakly4 
,i'll try any?+ once4  ,t's ! _s6 ,%e   

patt$ him on ! %\ld]1 !n danc$ on into !
 c5t] ( ! set1 /opp+ to direct "s b>b$  
rem>k at ,m>ilyn4  ,kauf took 8         
megaphone to call 8 p ar\nd him4 ,!re   
seem$ to be a c]ta9 ess5tial compet5ce  
ab\t ! little man1 n[ t ,manton &       
,phelps & ,mill>d 7 n ab\t to bo!r him4 
,:ile we wat*$ he succe$$ 9 photograph+ 
"o ( ! full %ots ( ! g5]al action or    
atmosph]e ( ! dance4 ,!n he hurri$ to ! 
side ( ,%irley1 to see if ! heavy man   
felt equal to ! task ( resum+ 8 make-up 
once m4  ,i f\nd ! "t dragg+ heavy on my
 h&s & ,i wi%$ t ,k5n$y w\ld return to !
 laboratory or decide ^u "s def9ite     
action4 ,?\gh ,i rack$ my bra91 ,i fail$
 to ?9k ( a device :]eby ,k5n$y c\ld get
 blood sme>s ( ,%irley or ,m>ilyn )\t _!
 k4 ,once m my reflections ve]$ ar\nd to
 ! matt] ( ! /ol5 t[el & ,i wond]$ if t 
_h be5 wa/$ ef=t on ,k5n$y's "p2 if !   
fire _h ?r[n out 8 c>efully arrang$     
plans to trap :oev] took x4  ,sudd5ly ,i
 realiz$ t ,k5n$y 0 foll[+ a v def9ite  
proc$ure1 t 8 seem+ indiff]5ce1 8 app>5t

 idle curiosity conc]n+ ! sc5e tak+1    
mask$ a settl$ purpose4 ,:5 ,phelps     
ent]$ he approa*$ him casually & turn$  
to him ) skill$ non*alance1 hold+ up a  
f+]4  ,w y l5d me a pocket knife = a    
mom5t8 he ask$1 to get a hang-nail8     
,phelps produc$ "o1 r grudg+ly4 ,k5n$y  
promptly w5t ov] to ! w9d[1 z ?\gh seek+
 bett] light4 ,!reaft] he avoid$        
,phelps4 ,soon ! bank] _h =gott5 !      
incid5t4  ,"s "t lat] ,manton ru%$ 9 f !
 (fice4 ,k5n$y maneuv]$ 8 way to !      
promot]'s side & wait$ 8 *ance to borr[ 
t man's pocket knife "u conditions :5   
,manton w\ld be ! lea/ apt to rememb] x4
 ,!n he made 8 way ar\nd to ,mackay & ,i
 saw t bo? ! acquisitions w5t into      
little envelopes ( ! sort us$ to take ! 
blood sme>s aft] ! explosion & fall+    
glass4  ,k5n$y n[ seem$ r elat$4 ,mill>d
 ent]$ & he borr[$ ! sc5>io writ]'s     
knife 9 exactly ! same fa%ion z ! o!rs4 
,no "o ( ! ?ree m5 notic$ 8 loss4 ,i    
?\ght x lucky t all ?ree c>ri$ !        
article1 & tri$ to guess h[ f> ,k5n$y   

int5d$ to c>ry ?is little s*eme4        
,kauf's ann\ncem5t ( lun* gave me my    
answ]4 ,x seem$ t !re w\ld be j half an 
h\r & t ! entire ca/ 0 expect$ to make  
%ift at ,mc,cann's r ?an attempt to g to
 any bett] place at a great] di/ance4   
,imm$iately ,k5n$y turn$ to me4  ,hurry1
 ,walt]6 ,tw5ty m9utes' quick "w & !n   
x's ! laboratory & ! solution ( ?is     
my/]y4  ,) ,mackay & ! bag we /ole to ! 
dress+ rooms1 wait+ until sure t ev]yone
 0 d[n/airs4 ,9 ,enid's *amb] ,k5n$y    
glanc$ ab\t c>efully b swiftly4 ,:5 no?+
 caught 8 att5tion he pick$ up h]       
f+]-nail file1 g+]ly1 f ! blunt end1    
slipp+ x into "o ( ! little envelopes   
:i* ,mackay held op54 ,!reupon ! di/rict
 attorney put 8 id5tify+ m>k ^u !       
outside & we w5t to ! next room4  ,x    
prov$ to be ,gordon's4 ,! g5]al se>* 0  
b>r5 ( result1 b ! dress+ table yield$  
ano!r f+]-nail file1 h&l$ 9 ! same mann]
 z be=e4 ,!n we ent]$ ,m>ilyn's room &  
left ) ! file f h] dress+ /&4 ,9        
,%irley's qu>t]s1 ! la/ we visit$1 we 7 

9 great] luck1 h[ev]4 ,:ile ,k5n$y &    
,mackay ab/ract$ ! usual file1 ,i       
discov]$ "s bits ( tissue pap] us$ 9    
%av+4 ,!re 0 cak$ soap left to dry j z x
 _h be5 wip$ f ! razor4 ,m1 !re 0 a     
blood /a9 ( fair proportions4  ,"h's y\r
 sme>1 ,k5n$y1 ,i exclaim$4  ,good6     
,f9e6 ,he fac$ ,mackay4 ,n[ ,i lack j "o
 ?+1 a sample ( ! blood ( ,miss ,lor+4  
,is t all8 ,! di/rict attorney bright5$4
 ,let me try to get x6 ,i--,i'll manage 
x 9 "s way6  ,all "r6 ,k5n$y took ! bag4
 ,expla9 y\r m>ks s ,i'll "k-- ,he /opp$
 sudd5ly4 ,no1 don't tell me any?+4     
,i'll make my *emical analyses &        
microscopic exam9ations )\t kn[+ !      
id5tity 9 ! case ei!r ( ! blood samples 
or ! f+]-nail files4 ,if ,i obta9       
results by bo? me?ods1 & !y agree1 ,i'll
 return arm$ ) d\ble-b>rel$ evid5ce4    
,mean:ile1 ,mackay1 y get a sme> f ,miss
 ,lor+ & foll[ u to ! laboratory4 ,i'll 
coax ,mc,groarty to drive u d[n1 s y'll 
h y\r c> & y c br+ u back4  ,! di/rict  
attorney nodd$4 ,me = ,mc,cann's1 he    

mutt]$4 ,t's :]e %e w5t to eat4 ,he ru%$
 (f eag]ly4  ,k5n$y _h no difficulty    
p]suad+ ,mc,groarty to put 8 p>ticul>   
/udio c> at our disposal )\t an ord] f  
,manton or f ! director :o _h call$ him4
 ,9 a v brief space ( "t we 7 at !      
laboratory4  ,y expect to f9d ! blood ( 
"o ( ^? p %[+ traces ( ! antiv598 ,i    
grasp$ ,k5n$y's me?od ( proc$ure1 b     
want$ to make sure ,i und]/ood x        
correctly4 ,already ,i 0 block+ out !   
detail$ article = ! ,/>1 ! big scoop :i*
 t pap] %\ld h z a result ( my close    
association ) ,k5n$y on ! case4 ,"o ( ^?
 samples %\ld correspond1 ,i suppose1 to
 ! trace ( blood on ! porti]es8         
,exactly6 ,he answ]$ me r abs5tly1 be+  
conc]n$ 9 sett+ out ! app>atus he w\ld  
ne$ = a ha/y s]ies ( te/s4  ,w ! antiv59
 %[ 9 ! blood aft] f\r1 p]haps five     
days8  ,i %\ld say s1 ,walt]4 ,if x does
 n1 by any *ance1 ,i w be able to       
id5tify ! blood1 b t is mu* m involv$ & 
t$i\s--a great deal m actual "w4  ,i've 
got x /raight1 !n4 ,n[-- ,i pac$ up &   

d[n sev]al times4 ,! f+]-nail files %\ld
 %[ a trace ( ! it*+ salve8 ,is t       
correct1 ,craig8  ,= a mom5t he didn't  
answ]1 z 8 m9d 0 ^u 8 p>aph]nalia4 ,!n  
he /raight5$4 ,h>dly1 ,walt]6 ,! salve  
is soluble 9 wat]4 ,:at ,i %all f9d1 if 
any?+1 is "s ( ! fib]s ( ! t[el4 ,y see1
 a p]son's f+] nails are great little   
collectors ( bits ( =eign matt]1 &      
anyone h&l+ t rag is sure to %[ "s      
inf9itesimal trace = a long :ile        
aft]w>d4 ,if ! p]son /eal+ ! t[el fil$  
or clean$ 8 nails !re w be evid5ce ( !  
fib]s on 8 pocket knife or f+]-nail     
file4 ,i impregnat$ ! t[el ) t *emical s
 t ,i w\ld be able to id5tify ! fib]s   
positively4  ,! use ( ! it*+ salve 0    
unnecess>y8  ,a quizzical smile crept   
across ,k5n$y's face4 ,did y ?9k ,i     
expect$ "s "o to g walk+ ar\nd ! /udio  
scrat*+ 8 h&s8 ,did y imag9e ,i ?\ght ! 
guilty p>ty w\ld betray 8 or h] id5tity 
9 su* *ildi% fa%ion1 aft] all !         
clev]ness display$ 9 ! crimes !mselves8 
,b y 7 insi/5t t ,i rub 9 !--  ,to =ce  

!m to wa% _! h&s aft] t\*+ ! t[el1      
,walt]4  ,oh6 ,i felt r *agr9$4 ,w\ldn't
 "s pigm5t1 "s color1 h s]v$ ! purpose  
bett]8  ,no1 because anyone w\ld h      
und]/ood t & w\ld h tak5 ! prop]        
measures to remove all traces4 ,b ! it*+
 salve s]v$ two purposes4 ,x 0 mislead+1
 because obvi\sly a trap ^u reflection1 
& s x w\ld di/ract att5tion f !         
impregnat$ fib]s1 my real s*eme4 ,!n x 0
 ! be/ device ( all ,i c\ld ?9k (1 = x  
set up a local irritation ( ! sort mo/  
calculat$ to make a p]son clean 8 f+]   
nails4 ,! av]age man & woman is n v     
neat1 ,walt]4 ,i 0 n sure b a sci5tific 
prodd+ 0 necess>y to transf] my evid5ce 
to "s object ,i c\ld borr[ & exam9e "u a
 microscope4  ,mean:ile ,k5n$y's long   
f+]s 7 busy at ! prelim9>y op]ations 9 8
 te/s4 ,he turn$ away & ,i ask$ no m    
que/ions1 n wi%+ to delay him4  ,i      
notic$ t fir/ he exam9$ ! blood samples 
"u ! microscope4 ,aft]w>d he employ$ a  
spectroscope4 ,b none ( ! op]ations took
 any great am\nt ( "t1 s9ce he seem$ to 

anticipate 8 results4  ,mackay bur/ 9 ^u
 u1 v elat$1 & produc$ a h&k]*ief ) a   
bit ( blood ^u x4  ,i scrat*$ h]        
delib]ately ) ! %>p po9t ( my r+1 he    
*uckl$4 ,i f\nd h] 9 ! re/aurant & !    
seat beside h] 0 empty4 ,i--,i talk$    
ab\t ev]y?+ "u ! sun & ,i guess %e ?9ks 
,i'm a clumsy boob6 ,anyh[ %e cri$ out  
:5 ,i did x1 & got r$ 9 ! face = a      
mom5t2 b %e suspects no?+4  ,k5n$y cut !
 spot f ! h&k]*ief1 put x 9 an envelope1
 & turn$ back to 8 table4 ,i drew       
,mackay into ! corn]4  ,z ! m9utes sp$  
by & ,craig work$ 9 absorb$             
conc5tration1 ,mackay grew m & m        
impati5t to get back to ! /udio4  ,did y
 f9d any?+8 repeat$ ,mackay1 = ! t5? "t4
  ,) a ge/ure ( annoyance1 ,k5n$y rea*$ 
out = ! nail files4  ,?is is a grave    
matt]1 he fr[n$4 ,i mu/ *eck x up--&    
d\ble *eck x--!n ,i'm go+ back to !     
/udio to triple *eck x4 ,let me see :at 
! nail files reveal4 ,x w be a b>e t5   
m9utes m4  ,insi/+ t we rema9 back 9 !  
corn]1 he spread out ! f\r nail files & 

! op5 blades ( ! ?ree pocket knives1    
sett+ ea* ^u ! envelope :i* id5tifi$ x4 
,! next qu>t] ( an h\r seem$ int]m9able4
 ,f9ally ,k5n$y />t$ replac+ ! files & !
 pocket knives 9 _! envelopes1 8 face   
/ill we>+ ! inscrutable fr[n4 ,next he  
pack$ ! blood samples & o!r evid5ce 9 ! 
travel+ bag once m4  ,mackay 0 bur/+ )  
impati5ce1 b ,craig /ill refus$ to      
betray 8 suspicions4  ,i mu/ get back   
!re--quick1 he ha/5$4 ,i want ev]ybody 9
 ! projection room4 ,9 c\rt1 a jury     
might n grasp ! infallibility ( ! me?ods
 ,i've us$4 ,!re w\ld be a great deal ( 
m$ical & exp]t te/imony requir$--& y "k1
 ,mackay1 :at t means4  ,is x a man--or 
a woman y suspect8 p]si/$ ! di/rict     
attorney4 ,?ree ( ! m5 _h pocket knives 
&--  ,k5n$y l$ ! way to ! door )\t      
answ]+1 & ,mackay cut %ort 8 hopeless   
quizz+ z ,craig nodd$ to me to c>ry !   
bag4     ,,xxx  ,,! ,,ballroom ,,sc5e   
,s\nds ( music caught our e>s z we ent]$
 ! /udio c\rty>d ( ,manton ,pictures4   
,c>ry+ ! bag ) its indisputable pro( (  

"s p]son's guilt1 we made our way ?r\gh 
! famili> corridor by ! dress+ rooms1   
out "u ! ro( ( ! s-call$ l>ge /udio4    
,!re a sc5e ( gayety confront$ u1 9 %>p 
contra/ ) ! gloomy atmosph]e ( ! re/ ( !
 e/abli%m5t4  ,kauf1 h[ev]1 _h ?or\ghly 
demon/rat$ 8 g5ius z a director4 ,to    
c\nt]act ! depression caus$ by all !    
rec5t melodramatic & tragic happ5+s1 he 
_h br\ght 9 an eight-piece or*e/ra1     
e/abli%+ ! m5 9 ! set itself s z to get 
full photographic value f _! jazz       
antics4 ,:]e ,w]n] & ,manton _h disp5s$ 
) music1 9 a desp]ate ef=t at economy1  
,kauf _h realiz$ t money sav$ 9 t way 0 
lo/ ?r\gh "t wa/$ ) dispirit$ p4 ,x 0 a 
lesson le>n$ long be=e by o!r companies4
 ,9 o!r /udios ,i _h se5 music employ$ 9
 ! mak+ ( sob]ly dramatic sc5es1 solely 
z an aid to ! actors1 enabl+ !m to get  
into ! atmosph]e ( _! "w m quickly &    
naturally4  ,"u ! lights ! entire set   
sp>kl$ ) a tawdry g>i%ness apt to fool  
^? un9itiat$ into ! secrets (           
photography4 ,on ! scre51 colors :i* n[ 

seem$ dull & flat w\ld take on a s(t    
ri*ness & a delicacy *>act]i/ic ( !     
society 9 :i* ,kauf's *>act]s 7 suppos$ 
to move4 ,obvi\sly fragile sc5]y w\ld   
seem z heavy & sub/antial z ! walls &   
beams ( ! f9e/ old mansion4 ,ev5 !      
inf]ior mat]ials 9 ! g[ns ( mo/ ( !     
girls w\ld photograph z well z ! mo/    
exp5sive silk2 9 fact1 by long exp]i5ce1
 _m ( ! extra girls _h le>n$ to         
c\nt]feit ! late/ fa%ions at a co/      
ridicul\s by comp>ison4  ,k5n$y approa*$
 ,kauf1 !n return$ to u4  ,he asks u to 
wait until he gets ?is "o big sc5e4 ,x's
 ! climax ( ! picture1 really1 ! unmask+
 ( ! ',black ,t]ror4' ,if we int]rupt n[
 he loses ! result ( half a day (       
prep>ation4  ,he may lose m ?an t6      
mutt]$ ,mackay2 & ,i wond]$ j :om !     
di/rict attorney suspect$4  ,is ev]yone 
"h8 ,i ask$4 ,all sev58  ,gordon &      
,%irley1 ( ! m51 & ,m>ilyn & ,enid1 (   
c\rse1 7 out on ! floor ( ! suppos$     
ballroom4 ,gordon ,i recogniz$ because  
,i rememb]$ t he 0 to we> ! g>b ( a     

monk4 ,m>ilyn 0 easily pick$ out1 al?\gh
 ! vivacity %e assum$ seem$ unnatural n[
 t we knew h] z well z we did4 ,h]      
co/ume 0 a glori\s ,yama ,yama creation1
 ( a fa9t yell[ :i* w\ld photograph     
dazzl+ :ite1 reveal+ trim /ock+$ ankles 
& sl5d] b>e arms1 fram+ face & eyes     
danc+ ) m]rim5t & malici\sness4         
,unque/ionably %e 0 ! prettie/ girl     
b5ea? ! arcs1 nev] to be suspect$ z !   
woman :o _h brav$ ! t]rors ( a film fire
 to rescue ! man %e lov$4 ,enid 0 /ately
 & s]5e 9 ! g[n ( ,m>ie ,anto9ette4 ,9 !
 bright gl>e h] features took on a r\nd 
innoc5ce & %e 0 z successful 9 portray+ 
sweetness z ,m>ilyn 0 9 ! simulation ( !
 mock+ evil ( ! vampire4  ,%irley       
int]e/$ me ! mo/1 h[ev]4 ,i wond]$ if   
,k5n$y /ill elim9at$ him 9 guess+ at !  
id5tity ( ! crim9al4 ,i call$ to m9d !  
heavy man's pres5ce 9 ! basem5t at ! "t 
( ! explosion & ,mc,groarty's in=mation 
t he _h be5 hang+ ab\t t "p ( ! /udio = 
"s "t previ\sly4 ,"s "o _h plant$ a     
cig>ette case & /ub to implicate        

,gordon1 accord+ to ,k5n$y's !ory4      
,%irley c]ta9ly _h _h opportunity to    
/eal ! t[el f ! lock] z well z to po9t  
suspicion t[>d ! lead+ man4  ,9 ! mid/ (
 my rev]ie ,%irley approa*$ & pass$ u4  
,he 0 9 ! g>b ( ,mephi/o4 ,l ! o!rs1 he 
_h n yet mask$ 8 face4 ,a peculi>       
brightness 9 8 eyes /ruck me & ,i nudg$ 
,k5n$y4  ,belladonna1 ,k5n$y expla9$ :5 
he 0 beyond e>%ot4  ,oh6 ,i rememb]$4   
,enid told him to use x4  ,:at8  ,i     
repeat$ ! conv]sation z ne> z ,i c\ld   
recon/ruct x4  ,h-m6 ,t's a new cure =  
smoke-burn$ eyes2 no cure at all4  ,i 0 
unable to get any m out ( ,k5n$y1 h[ev]4
  ,manton ,i detect$ 9 ! backgr\nd )    
,phelps4 ,! two m5 7 argu+1 z always1 & 
x 0 evid5t t ! bank] 0 accompli%+ no?+  
by ?is con/ant hang+ ab\t ! /udio4 ,:]e 
previ\sly my sympa?y _h be5 ) ,phelps   
entirely1 n[ ,i realiz$ t ! promot] _h  
won me4 ,inde$1 ,manton's int]e/ 9 all !
 affairs ( picture mak+ at ?is plant _h 
be5 f> too s9c]e & e>ne/ to p]mit !     
belief t he 0 seek+ to wreck ! company  

or to d\ble-cross 8 back]4  ,mill>d     
ent]$ ! /udio z ,i glanc$ ab\t = him4   
,he h&$ "s %eets to ,kauf1 !n turn$ to  
leave4 ,i attract$ ,k5n$y's att5tion4   
,y don't want ,mill>d to get away1 ,i   
:isp]$4  ,k5n$y s5t ,mackay to /op him4 
,! au?or accompani$ ! di/rict attorney  
will+ly4  ,yes1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y8  ,z soon z 
?is sc5e is ov] we're go+ d[n to !      
projection room2 ev]yone conc]n$ 9 !    
dea? ( ,miss ,lam> & ( ,mr4 ,w]n]4  ,!  
sc5>io writ] look$ up quickly4 ,d y--d y
 "k :o x is8 he ask$1 sob]ly4  ,n       
exactly1 b ,i w id5tify ! guilty p]son j
 z soon z we are assembl$ d[n 9 front ( 
! scre54  ,%irley _h left ! /udio floor1
 app>5tly to g to 8 dress+ room4 ,n[ ,i 
notic$ t he return$ & pass$ close j 9 "t
 to he> ,mill>d's "q & ,k5n$y's answ]4  
,8 eyes dilat$4 ,z he turn$ away 8 face 
fell4 ,he w5t on into ! set1 b 8 legs   
seem$ to wabble b5ea? him4 ,i 0 sure x 0
 m ?an ! weakness result+ f 8 exp]i5ce 9
 ! fire4  ,kauf's voice1 ?r\gh !        
megaphone1 e*o$ sudd5ly f wall to wall1 

rev]b]at+ b5ea? ! ro(4  ,all ready6     
,ev]yone 9 ! set6 ,masks on6 ,take y\r  
places6  ,at a signal ! or*e/ra /ruck up
 & ! c\ples />t$ to dance4 ,x 0 a       
wond]fully colorful sc5e & ,i saw t     
,kauf propos$ to rehe>se x ?or\ghly1 do+
 x ov] & ov] )\t ! cam]as until e detail
 rea*$ a practic$ p]fection4 ,9 ?is ,i 0
 c]ta9 he a*iev$ results sup]ior to     
,w]n]'s slap1 da%1 & bang4  ,!n came !  
call = action4  ,cam]a6 ,kauf began to  
bob up & d[n4 ,into x1 ev]ybody6  ,=    
fasc9ation & *>m ?is f> exce$$ ! banquet
 sc5e :i* we _h witness$ 9 ! tak+       
previ\sly4 ,! music 0 surpris+ly good1 s
 t x 0 impossible = ! p n to get into ! 
sw+1 & ! result 0 a riot\s swirl+ (     
gracefully danc+ pairs2 ! girls1 select$
 = _! beauty1 fla%+ half-reveal$ faces  
t[>d ! cam]a1 display+ eyes :i* tw9kl$  
?r\gh _! masks 9 mock]y at a :olly      
ineffectual attempt at concealm5t4      
,enid ma9ta9$ h] /ately c>riage1 b made 
full use ( ! dazzl+ :it5ess ( h] tee?4  
,e>ly %e p]mitt$ ! att5tions ( ! c[l$   

monk :om %e knew to be h] lov]4 ,m>ilyn 
0 ev]y:]e1 mak+ mis*ief ! be/ %e c\ld4  
,%irley /alk$ ab\t 9 8 satanic r$1 :i*  
w\ld photograph black & appe> ev5 m     
somb] on ! scre54  ,( c\rse ! :ole 0 n  
photograph$ 9 a cont9u\s /rip f "o cam]a
 position4 ,i saw t ,kauf made sev]al   
long %ots to cat* ! g5]al atmosph]e4 ,!n
 he made close-up sc5es ( all !         
pr9cipals & ( "s ( ! be/ appe>+ extras4 
,at "o "t he ord]$ a panorama effect1 9 
:i* ! cam]as pann$1 swept f "o side to !
 o!r1 giv+ a succession ( faces at close
 range4  ,f9ally ev]y?+ 0 ready = !     
climax4 ,%irley _h be5 play+ a sort (   
,jekyll & ,hyde role 9 :i* he 0 at once 
! "y lawy] fri5d ( ,enid & ! ,black     
,t]ror4 ,unmask$ & corn]$ at ?is        
function ( a society t]rifi$ by ! dread 
unkn[n m5ace1 he 0 to make !            
trans=mation directly be=e ! eyes (     
ev]yone1 us+ ! my?ical drug :i* *ang$   
him f a "y man ( good appe>ance & family
 to ! be+ :o 0 a v inc>nation ( evil4   
,= once ,kauf did n rehe>se ! sc5e4     

,%irley 0 obvi\sly weak5$ f 8 exp]i5ce &
 ! director wi%$ to sp>e him4 ,all !    
details 7 %\t$ out ?r\gh ! megaphone1   
h[ev]1 & ,i grasp$ t ! action ( ?is "p (
 ! dance 0 famili> to ev]yone2 x 0 ! big
 sc5e ( ! /ory t[>d :i* all o!r ev5ts _h
 built4  ,!n came ! famili> ord]4       
,cam]a6  ,at ! />t ( ?is episode !      
or*e/ra 0 play+ & ! danc]s 7 9 motion4  
,sudd5ly ,gordon1 z ! h]o1 /rode up to  
,%irley & unmask$ him ) a few bitt]     
words :i* lat] w\ld be fla%$ ^u ! scre5 
9 a spok5 title4 ,in/antly a cr[d ga!r$ 
ab\t1 b 9 su* a way z n to ob/ruct !    
cam]a view4  ,corn]$1 see+ t flight 0   
impossible unless he became ! ,black    
,t]ror & possess$ ! /r5g? & fe>lessness 
( t /range o!r self1 ,%irley drew a     
little vial f 8 brea/ pocket & drank !  
cont5ts4 ,evid5tly he knew 8 ,mansfield 
well4 ,sl[ly he began to act out ! *ange
 9 8 appe>ance :i* correspond$ ) !      
assumption ( control by ! evil )94 ,8   
body wri!d1 w5t ?r\gh contortions :i* 7 
horrible yet fasc9at+4 ,x 0 almo/ z ?\gh

 a new fe>ful be+ 0 creat$ )9 sight ( ! 
onlook]s4 ,n only 0 ! face alt]$1 b !   
man's /ature seem$ to %r9k1 to lose     
actual in*es4 ,i ?\ght x a wond]ful     
exhibition4  ,! v next in/ant !re came a
 groan f ,%irley1 some?+ :i* at once    
indicat$ pa9 & realization & fe>4 ,he   
lo/ all control ( himself & 9 a mom5t   
pit*$ =w>d ^u ! floor1 sputt]+ & clut*+ 
at ! empty air4 ,ano!r cry broke f      
betwe5 8 lips1 a gha/ly contract$ %riek 
z treble z ?\gh f ! ?roat ( a woman4    
,?is 0 no "p ( ! /ory1 no skillful bit (
 act+6 ,x 0 real6 ,ev5 be=e ,i _h grasp$
 ! full significance ( ! happ5+ ,k5n$y  
_h da%$ =w>d4 ,! cam]as /ill 7 gr9d+ &  
!y caught him z he kneel$ at ! side ( ! 
/rick5 man4 ,h>dly a second aft]w>d     
,mackay & ,i foll[$ & 7 at ,k5n$y's     
side4 ,kauf & ! o!rs1 _! faces weirdly  
a%51 clu/]$ ab\t 9 fright4  ,a ?ird "t !
 invisible h& _h /ruck at a memb] ( !   
company4 ,! ,black ,t]ror1 ) all !      
horror writt5 into t /ory1 conta9$ no?+ 
z fe>ful z ! m5ace to ! p engag$ 9 its  

production4  ,%irley's sk9 0 cold &     
clammy1 8 face almo/ rigid4 ,:ile       
consci\s1 he 0 helpless4 ,k5n$y f\nd !  
little vial & exam9$ x4  ,atrop96 he    
ejaculat$4 ,walt]6 ,he turn$ to me4 ,get
 "s physo/igm91 quick6 ,h ,mackay drive 
y6 ,x's--x's life or dea?6 ,"h--,i'll   
write x d[n6 ,physo/igm96  ,z ,i rac$   
madly out & d[n ! /airs1 ,mackay at my  
heels1 ,i he>d a woman's scream4        
,m>ilyn6 ,did %e ?9k him dead8  ,once 9 
! c>1 head$ = ! ne>e/ drug /ore1 grasp+ 
wildly at ! side or at ! back ( ! seat e
 few mom5ts z ! di/rict attorney skidd$ 
ar\nd curves & lit]ally hurdl$ ob/acles1
 ,i rememb]$ a =gott5 fact4  ,atrop96 ,t
 0 belladonna1 simply ano!r "n = ! drug4
 ,%irley _h procur$ ! /uff = use 9 8    
eyes4 ,nev]!less1 he _h be5 aw>e1       
und\bt$ly1 ( its deadly nature4 ,pass+  
by ,k5n$y & ! re/ ( u1 he _h ov]he>d    
,k5n$y /ate t ! murd]] w\ld be id5tifi$ 
z soon z all c\ld be assembl$ 9 !       
projection room4 ,! heavy man _h n c>$  
to face ju/ice 9 s prosaic a mann]4 ,) !

 same s5se ( ! melodramatic :i* _h l$   
him to slay ,/ella ,lam> 9 ! tak+ ( a   
sc5e1 ,w]n] 9 ! photograph+ ( ano!r1 he 
_h pref]r$ suicide & _h select$ ! mo/   
spectacul> mom5t possible = 8 la/ ^u    
e>?4  ,yes1 ,%irley 0 guilty4 ,r ?an    
wait ! sl[ processes ( legal ju/ice he  
_h attempt$ suicide4 ,n[ we rac$ to save
 8 life1 to pres]ve x = a m fitt+ end 9 
! electric *air4     ,,xxxi             
,,physo/igm9   ,! fir/ drug /ore we f\nd
 0 unable to supply u4 ,at a second we  
_h bett] luck4 ,all 9 all1 we 7 back at 
! ,manton ,pictures plant 9 a relatively
 few m9utes1 a rem>kable bit ( driv+ on 
! "p ( ! di/rict attorney4  ,%irley 0   
/ill 9 ! set4 ,k5n$y at once adm9i/]$ ! 
physo/igm91 ,i ?\ght ) an air ( great   
relief4  ,?is is "o ( ! r>e cases 9 :i* 
two drugs1 bo? highly poison\s1 are     
def9itely antagoni/ic1 he expla9$4 ,ea*1
 !re=e1 is an antidote = ! o!r :5       
prop]ly adm9i/]$4  ,m>ilyn 0 *af+       
,%irley's cold h&s1 te>s re/+ %amelessly
 ^u h] lids1 a look ( deep inexpressible

 fe> 9 h] expression4  ,w--w y be able  
to save him1 ,pr(essor8 %e ask$1 n once1
 b a doz5 diff]5t times4  ,none ( ! re/ 
( u spoke4 ,we wait$ anxi\sly = ! fir/  
signs ( hope1 ! fir/ indication t !     
heavy man's life might be pres]v$4 ,x 0 
:olly a "q :e!r ! physo/igm9 _h be5 giv5
 to him quickly en\gh4  ,k5n$y /raight5$
 f9ally1 & we knew t ! crisis 0 ov]4    
,m>ilyn broke d[n completely & _h to be 
support$ to a *air4 ,/rong1 will+ arms  
lift$ ,%irley to take him to 8 dress+   
room4  ,at t mom5t ,k5n$y /ood up1 rais+
 8 voice s z to dem& ! att5tion (       
ev]yone1 tak+ *>ge ( matt]s ?r\gh %e]   
=ce ( p]sonality4  ,i h come "h ?is     
aft]noon1 he began1 to appreh5d ! man or
 woman responsible = ! dea? ( ,miss     
,lam> & ,mr4 ,w]n]1 = ! fire 9 !        
negative vault1 & n[ = ?is attempt ^u ! 
life ( ,mr4 ,%irley4  ,n a s\nd 0 evid5t
 z he paus$1 no movem5t save a vague1   
uneasy %ift+ ( position on ! "p ( "s (  
^? :o _h be5 on ! po9t ( leav+4  ,i h   
indisputable evid5ce ( ! guilty p]son's 

id5tity1 b1 nev]!less1 = reasons :i* ,i 
w expla9 to y ,i h n yet complet$ my    
id5tification4 ,to d s x is necess>y t  
c]ta9 photograph$ sc5es be project$ on !
 scre5 & t c]ta9 o!r matt]s be made     
p]fectly cle>4 ,i am v anxi\s1 y see1 to
 elim9ate ! slighte/ possibility (      
error4  ,mr4 ,mackay "h--,k5n$y smil$1 v
 slightly--is ! di/rict attorney )      
jurisdiction at ,t>ryt[n4 ,at my reque/1
 s9ce ye/]day--or1 to be exact1 s9ce !  
dea? ( ,mr4 ,w]n] w>n$ u t no "t c\ld be
 lo/--he has c>ri$ a ',john ,doe'       
w>rant4 ,imm$iately foll[+ my           
id5tification ( ! guilty p]son he--or   
%e--w be plac$ "u arre/4 ,! *>ge w be ! 
murd] ( ,/ella ,lam> by ! use ( poison 9
 a mann] :i* ,i w expla9 to y4 ,! trial 
w take place at ,:ite ,pla9s1 ! c\nty   
seat ( ,we/*e/] ,c\nty1 :]e ! murd]     
occurr$4 ,mr4 ,mackay in=ms me t ! c\rts
 !re are n cr[d$2 9 fact1 he p]sonally  
has be5 able to devote mo/ ( 8 "t to ?is
 case4 ,!re=e ! trial w be spe$y & ,i am
 sure t ! cold-blood$ me?ods us$ by ?is 

crim9al w gu>antee a quick s5t5ce & an  
e>ly trip to ! electric *air at ,oss9+4 
,n[--sudd5ly grim--if ev]yone w g d[n to
 ! projection room1 ! l>g] "o1 we w br+ 
matt]s to _! prop] conclusion4  ,i      
imag9$ t ,k5n$y's spee* 0 calculat$ to  
spread a little :olesome fe> among ! p  
we _h consid]$ suspects4 ,9 any case t 0
 ! result1 = an outsid]1 f ! expressions
 ^u ! v>i\s faces1 might h conclud$ t   
sev]al ( !m 7 guilty4 ,ea* seem$ to />t 
(f across ! /udio floor reluctantly1 z  
?\gh afraid to obey ,k5n$y1 yet unable  
to resi/ ! fasc9ation ( witness+ !      
id5tification ( ! crim9al1 z ?\gh feel+ 
t he or %e individually might be accus$1
 & yet unwill+ to seek safety at !      
exp5se ( miss+ ,k5n$y's revelation ( 8  
me?ods & explanation ( _! result4  ,i   
drew him aside z quickly z ,i c\ld4     
,craig1 ,i />t$1 eag]ly1 isn't ?is all  
unnecess>y8 ,c't y see t ,%irley is !   
guilty man8 ,if y w hurry into 8 room ) 
pap] & p5cil & get 8 confession be=e he 
recov]s f 8 fright & rega9s 8           

assurance--  ,:at on e>?1 ,walt]6 ,k5n$y
 int]rupt$ me ) a look ( surprise :i* ,i
 did n miss ev5 9 my excitem5t4 ,:at are
 y driv+ at1 anyway8  ,:y1 ,%irley is ! 
crim9al4 ,he--  ,nons5se6 ,wasn't an    
attempt made to kill him j n[8 ,wasn't x
 evid5t t he 0 consid]$ z dang]\s to !  
unkn[n z ,w]n]1 ! director8 ,hasn't he  
be5 elim9at$ f our calculations z surely
 z ! man sla9 ye/]day8  ,no6 ,i flu%$4  
,n at all1 ,craig6 ,?is 0 n an attempt  
at murd]4 ,!re 7 none ( ! crim9al's     
e>m>ks noticeable at ,t>ryt[n or 9 !    
banquet sc5e4  ,h[ d y mean1 ,walt]8 ,= 
once ,k5n$y reg>d$ me s]i\sly4  ,:y1 y  
po9t$ out y\rself t ?is unkn[n 0        
exceptionally clev]4 ,! attempt on      
,%irley1 if x 7 an attempt1 0 n clev] at
 all4  ,:y8  ,:y8 ,i 0 a little s>ca/ic1
 because ,i 0 sure ( myself4 ,because ! 
poison 0 atrop9--belladonna4 ,t is      
common4 ,i've read ( any numb] ( crimes 
:]e t 0 us$4 ,d y ?9k = a mom5t t ! m9d 
:i* figur$ out h[ to use snake v5om1 &  
botul9 tox91 w\ld desc5d to any?+ z     

ord9>y z all ?is8  ,well1 if x 0 n an   
attempt at murd]1 :at 0 x8  ,suicide6   
,x's z pla9 z ! nose on y\r face4       
,%irley 0 pass+ u z we 7 /&+ ) ,mill>d &
 z y told ,mill>d we all 7 to g to !    
projection room to id5tify ! crim9al4   
,!re=e ,%irley knew he 0 at ! end ( 8   
rope4 ,) ! !atrical temp]am5t1 he took !
 poison j z he f9i%$ play+ 8 la/ great  
sc5e4 ,x--x 0 a sort ( swan song4  ,q a 
!ory1 ,walt]6 ,n[ ,i knew ,k5n$y 0      
unimpress$4 ,b1 :]e did he get !        
belladonna8  ,= 8 eyes4 ,aft] ! smoke   
sm>t4  ,! drug is ( no use aga9/ su*    
inflammation4  ,no1 b x s]v$ to bright5 
8 eyes4 ,enid sugge/$ x to him & he w5t 
out & got x4 ,x help$ him play 8 sc5es4 
,x gave him ! glitt]+ expression he ne$$
 9 8 *>act]ization4  ,aga9 ,k5n$y seem$ 
to grasp my view4 ,he hesitat$ = sev]al 
mom5ts4 ,f9ally he look$ up4  ,if       
,%irley is ! crim9al1 & if he is above  
us+ z common a drug z atrop9 = kill+    
ano!r man1 !n--!n :y isn't he above us+ 
x ^u himself8  ,t /ruck me z easy to    

answ]4 ,because if he is kill+ himself x
 is n necess>y = him to cov] 8 tracks1  
or to d x clev]ly1 & besides--x 0 my big
 po9t--he probably didn't decide to try 
to d x until he ov]he>d u & realiz$ !   
m5ace4 ,at t "t he _h ! belladonna 9 8  
pocket4 ,he did n h an opportunity to   
procure any?+ else4  ,k5n$y gr9n$4 ,y're
 all wrong1 ,walt]1 & ,i'll %[ y :]e y\r
 reason+ is faulty4 ,9 ! fir/ place if  
?is crim9al 0 ! type to commit suicide  
at ! mom5t he ?\ght he 0 ab\t to be     
caught he w\ld be ! type :o w\ld reflect
 ^u t idea be=eh&4 ,z 8 crimes %[ a     
great deal ( previ\s prep>ation1 s we   
may assume t he w\ld prep>e = suicide1  
or r = ! possibility t he might wi% to  
attempt x4 ,!re=e he w\ld h some?+ bett]
 = t purpose ?an atrop94  ,i %ook my    
head1 b ,k5n$y cont9u$4  ,z a matt] (   
fact1 ! use ( t drug is n less clev] ?an
 ! use ( ! v5om or ! tox92 x is m s4    
,/op & ?9k a m9ute6 ,! snake v5om 0     
employ$ 9 ! case ( ,miss ,lam>'s dea?   
because x (f]$ ab\t ! lea/ possible     

*ance ( leav+ telltale clues beh9d4 ,!  
snake poison c\ld be inflict$ ) a t9y   
scrat*1 & 9 su* a way t an outcry f !   
girl w\ld nev] be notic$4 ,no?+ b my    
pocket l5s caught ! scrat*2 only ! great
 c>e ,i us$ 9 my exam9ation put u on !  
trail at all4  ,n[ rememb] h[ ,w]n] met 
8 dea?4 ,! tox9 gave e symptom ( food   
poison+4 ,except t we discov]$ ! brok5  
/em ( ! w9eglass we w\ld nev] h be5 able
 to prove ! trag$y any?+ b accid5t4 ,v  
possibly we h ,%irley to ?ank = ! fact t
 our "o clue !re 0 n remov$ or de/roy$4 
,9 bo? cases ! selection ( ! poison 0   
suit$ to ! conditions4 ,!re=e1 if an    
attempt 0 made to kill ,%irley--& ( !   
fact ,i am sure--we might expect t !    
ag5t likewise w\ld be "o lea/ apt to    
create suspicion4 ,!re are no porti]es1 
no opportunity = ! use ( ano!r v5om2 &  
besides1 t has lo/ its novelty1 & s its 
value4 ,simil>ly !re is no use ( food or
 w9e 9 ! sc5e1 preclud+ some?+ else     
along ! tox9 ord]4  ,our unkn[n realizes
 t ! safe/ place to commit murd] is :]e 

!re is a cr[d4 ,he has foll[$ t pr9ciple
 consi/5tly4 ,9 ! case ( ! heavy man1 :o
 has a bit ( bus9ess be=e ! cam]a :]e he
 dr9ks ! cont5ts ( a little bottle1 ! v 
clev]e/ ?+ is to use belladonna1 because
 ,%irley has employ$ x = 8 eyes1 &      
because--malici\sly1 almo/--x leads     
imm$iately to ! hypo!sis ( suicide4  ,ye
 gods1 ,craig6 ,a sudd5 ?\ght /ruck me &
 r t]rifi$ me4 ,d y suppose ,enid ,faye 
sugge/$ ! use ( ! drug to ,%irley z "p (
 ! s*eme to kill him8 ,is %e--  ,i      
pref]1 ,k5n$y int]rupt$--,i pref] to    
suppose t ! guilty p]son ov]he>d h]1 or 
p]haps saw him buy x or le>n$ 9 "s o!r  
way t he 0 go+ to use x4  ,completely   
tak5 up ) ?is new l9e ( ?\ght1 ,i fail$ 
to "q ,k5n$y fur!r1 & x 0 j z well      
because mo/ ( ! p 7 on _! way d[n to !  
projection room1 n only ^? we wi%$      
pres5t1 b practically ev]yone (         
suffici5t importance ab\t ! /udio to    
feel t he c\ld intrude4  ,k5n$y turn$ to
 ,mackay1 :o _h tak5 no "p 9 our        
discussion1 al?\gh an int]e/$ li/5]4 ,y 

h ! bag & all ! evid5ce8  ,yes6 ,mackay 
pick$ x up4 ,watk9s1 ! cam]a man1 wat*$ 
x = me :ile ,jameson & ,i w5t aft] t    
drug4  ,k5n$y /oop$ d[n quickly1 b x 0  
lock$ & _h n be5 tamp]$ )4  ,9 !        
corridor by ! dress+ rooms we met ,kauf1
 & ,k5n$y /opp$ him4  ,h[ long w\ld x   
take to make a pr9t f ! sc5e :]e ,%irley
 took ! poison8  ,we c\ld h x ready 9   
half an h\r1 9 a case ( grim necessity4 
,half an h\r8 ,i exclaim$ at t1 9       
disbelief4 ,y c\ldn't beg9 to dry !     
negative 9 t "t1 ,kauf4  ,he glanc$ at  
me tol]antly4 ,we make :at is call$ a   
wet pr9t2 t is1 we pr9t f ! negative    
:ile x is /ill wet & s we only h !      
positive to dry4 ,!n we put x on drums 9
 a =c$ draught ( hot air4 ,! result is n
 v good1 b x's a f9e ?+ sometimes to get
 a picture ( a p>ade or "s accid5t 9 a  
!at] "r aft] x happ5s4  ,w y d x = me1  
,kauf8 ,k5n$y broke 91 impati5tly4 ,?is 
is a case ( grim necessity1 he add$4    
,kauf hurri$ (f & we made our way across
 ! y>d to ! /airs lead+ d[n into !      

basem5t & to ! projection room specifi$ 
by ,k5n$y4 ,"h ,manton 0 wait+1 uneasy1 
flu%$1 8 face ga!r$ 9 a fr[n & 8 h&s    
cl5*+ & uncl5*+ 9 8 n]v\sness4  ,d y--d 
y "k :o x is8 he dem&$4  ,n yet1 ,k5n$y 
repli$4 ,fir/ ,i mu/ m>%al all my       
evid5ce4  ,:o--:o d y want pres5t 9 !   
projection room8  ,mr4 ,phelps1 ,mr4    
,mill>d1 &--y\rself1 ,mr4 ,manton4 ,miss
 ,lor+ & ,miss ,faye4 ,mr4 ,gordon4     
,anyone else :o wi%es1 if !re is room4  
,phelps1 ,mill>d1 ,gordon1 & ! two girls
 are inside already4  ,good6 ,we w />t  
at once4  ,manton turn$1 to lead ! way  
94 ,at t mom5t !re 0 a call f ! y>d4 ,we
 /opp$1 look+ up4 ,x 0 ,%irley4  ,wait j
 a m9ute1 he cri$4 ,he 0 s weak t ! two 
extra m5 :o 7 help+ him virtually       
support$ 8 weight4 ,on 8 face 0 a look (
 desp]ate det]m9ation4 ,i--,i mu/ see   
?is too6 he gasp$4     ,,xxxii  ,,cam]a 
,,evid5ce   ,com+ 9 f ! bright light (  
op5 day1 ! projection room seem$ a      
gloomy1 =bidd+ place1 c]ta9ly well      
calculat$ to break d[n ! res]ve ( p]haps

 ! clev]e/ crim9al ev] pitt+ 8 skill    
aga9/ ! sci5ce ( ,craig ,k5n$y4  ,x 0 a 
small room1 long & n s wide1 ) a        
comp>atively l[ ceil+4 ,9 ord] to       
obviate eye /ra9 ! walls 7 pa9t$ somb]ly
 & !re 7 no light colors 9 evid5ce      
except = a ne>ly squ>e pat* ( :ite at ! 
f>!r end1 ! scre5 ^u :i* ! pictures 7   
project$4 ,! illum9ation 0 v dim4 ,?is 0
 s t !re w\ld be no great contra/ betwe5
 ! light reflect$ f ! images ca/ ^u !   
scre5 dur+ pictures & ! illum9ation 9 ! 
room itself betwe5 reels2 aga9 design$  
to prev5t /ra9 ^u ! eyes ( ! employees  
^: "w 0 ! con/ant exam9ation ( film 9   
v>i\s /ages ( its assembly4  ,! *airs 7 
fa/5$ to ! floor1 arrang$ 9 t9y cresc5ts
 & plac$ s z n to int]f]e ) ! ?r[ ( !   
pictures f beh9d4 ,! projection ma*9es  
!mselves1 two 9 numb] 9 ord] to provide 
cont9u\s projection by alt]nat+ ! reels 
& s ?read+ "o ma*9e :ile runn+ ! o!r1 7 
9 a firepro( boo? or sep>ate room1      
connect$ ) ! t9y auditorium only by     
slits 9 ! wall & a sort ( por?ole ?r\gh 

:i* ! op]ator c\ld talk or take 8       
in/ructions4  ,directly b5ea? ! op5+s to
 ! boo? 7 a table equipp$ ) a %ad$ lamp1
 a /& = manuscripts1 & a signal button4 
,"h ! film cutt]s & editors sat1 wat*+ !
 subject ^u :i* !y work$ & mak+ notes = 
*anges1 = bits ( sup]flu\s action to be 
cut out1 or = titles or spok5 ins]ts to 
be mov$4 ,at a signal ! op]ator c\ld be 
in/ruct$ to /op at any po9t1 or to />t1 
or to w9d back & run "s giv5 piece ov]  
aga94 ,! lights 9 ! room 7 controll$ f  
)9 ! boo? & also by a swit* j at ! side 
( ! door4 ,a telephone on ! table (f]$ a
 connection ) any "p ( ! /udio or ) !   
city ex*anges1 s t an (ficial ( !       
company c\ld be rea*$ :ile view+ a      
picture4  ,z we ent]$ ,i tri$ to /udy ! 
diff]5t faces1 b f\nd x a hopeless task 
on acc\nt ( ! poor light4 ,k5n$y took 8 
place at ! little table1 swit*+ on !    
little %ad$ lamp & motion+ = ,mackay to 
set ! travel+ bag s he c\ld op5 x & view
 ! cont5ts4 ,!n ,mackay took po/ at !   
door1 a h& 9 8 pocket1 & ,i realiz$ t ! 

di/rict attorney clasp$ a weapon b5ea? !
 cov] ( 8 clo?+1 & 0 prep>$ = tr\ble4 ,i
 mov$ ov] to be ready to help ,k5n$y if 
necess>y4 ,z ,k5n$y took 8 key1 unlock+ 
! bag1 x w\ld h be5 possible to h he>d !
 slighte/ movem5t ( a h& or foot1 !     
fa9te/ gasp ( brea?1 s t5se 0 ! sil5ce4 
,fir/ ,k5n$y took out ! v>i\s rolls (   
film4 ,look+ up1 he caught ! face ( !   
op]ator at ! op5+ 9 ! wall & h&$ !m to  
him "o by "o4  ,"h are two sections ( ! 
op5+ ( ! /ory1 sc5es "o to ?irte5 ( ',! 
,black ,t]ror' put toge!r 9 ord]1 b )\t 
subtitles4 ,"o is pr9t$ f ! negative ( !
 head cam]a man1 ,watk9s4 ,! o!r is     
exactly ! same action z tak5 by ! o!r   
photograph]4 ,we w run bo?1 b wait = my 
signal betwe5 ea* piece4 ,und]/&8  ,yes1
 sir6  ,n[ ,i am giv+ y two rolls :i*   
conta9 pr9ts ( ! negative f bo? cam]as (
 ! action at ! mom5t ( ,w]n]'s dea?4 ,^?
 are to be project$ 9 ! same way :5 ,i  
give y ! signal4 ,foll[+ t !re w be two 
v %ort pieces :i* %[ ! attempt ^u ! life
 ( ,mr4 ,%irley4 ,!y are be+ ru%$ ?r\gh 

! laboratory at ?is mom5t & w be br\ght 
to y by ! "t we are ready = !m4         
,f9ally--,k5n$y paus$ & z he took !     
rolls ( negative ( ! snake film ,i c\ld 
see t he hesitat$ to all[ !m out ( 8 h&s
 ev5 = a few mom5ts--"h is "s negative  
:i* w be my little climax4 ,x--x is v   
valuable inde$1 s please be c>eful4     
,y--y want to project ! ,,negative8     
qu]i$ ! op]ator4  ,yes4 ,!y tell me x c 
be done1 ev5 ) negative z old & brittle 
z ?is1 if y are c>eful4  ,i'll be       
c>eful1 sir6 ,y pun* ! button !re once  
to /op & two to g4 ,i'll be ready 9 a   
mom5t4 ,z he spoke he disappe>$ & soon  
we he>d ! unmi/akable hiss ( ! arcs 9 8 
ma*9es4  ,k5n$y /oop$ & f ! bag produc$ 
! little envelopes ) ! pocket knives &  
nail files1 ! set ( envelopes ) !       
samples ( blood1 ! piece ( silk he _h   
cut f ! porti]e at ,t>ryt[n1 ! t9y bits 
he _h cut f ! t[el f\nd by me 9 !       
wa%room ( ?is /udio1 & a microscope--!  
la/1 ,i guess$1 = effect4  ,ar\nd 9 !   
semid>kness ,i c\ld see ! faces z necks 

7 cran$ to wat* u4 ,k5n$y's             
delib]at5ess1 8 air ( c]ta9ty1 mu/ h    
/ruck t]ror home to "s "o p]son 9 !     
little audi5ce4 ,(t5 ,k5n$y dep5d$ ^u   
hidd5 sci5tific in/rum5ts to cat* ! fa9t
 outw>d signs ( ! emotions ( 8 p 9 a    
seance ( ?is sort1 to all[ ! comp>ison (
 _! reactions 9 ! c\rse ( 8 review ( !  
evid5ce1 to give him :at am\nt$ to a v  
sure pro( ( ! "o p]son's guilt4 ,! v    
abs5ce ( "s su* prep>ation indicat$ to  
me ! ext5t ( 8 confid5ce4  ,at l5g? he  
began 8 little lecture1 = all ! _w z    
?\gh ?is 7 "o ( 8 classes at !          
,univ]sity1 z ?\gh !re 7 at /ake "s     
matt] ( *emical reaction4  ,i ne$ n tell
 y1 ladies & g5tlem51 t ?is is a highly 
sci5tific age 9 :i* we live4 ,8 tones 7 
leisurely1 bus9esslike1 cool4 ,y\r own  
pr(ession1 ! mov+ picture1 ) all its    
detail ( photography & electricity1 its 
bl5d+ ( art & drama & me*anics1 is      
indicative ( t1 b--a pause = emphasis--x
 is ( my own pr(ession ,i wi% to talk j 
n[1 ! detection & prev5tion ( crime4    

,crim9als z a :ole 7 probably ! v fir/  
class ( society to realize ! full b5efit
 ( mod]n sci5ce4 ,banks & bus9ess       
in/itutions1 ! v>i\s detective & police 
=ces1 all grades & walks ( life h be5   
put to x to keep abrea/ ( ! developm5t (
 sci5tific crime4 ,s true has ?is be5 t 
x is a matt] ( common belief ) _m p t ! 
h& ( ! law may be defi$ ) impunity1 t   
ju/ice may be *eat$ ) absolute c]ta9ty1 
j s long z a guilty man or woman is     
suffici5tly clev] & suffici5tly c>eful4 
,=tunately1 ! real tru? is q ! rev]se4  
,sci5ce has ext5d$ itself 9 _m dim5sions
 ( space4 ,) ! use ( a microscope1 =    
in/ance1 a :ole new _w is op5$ up to !  
tra9$ detective4  ,ev]yone kn[s n[ t !  
exam9ation ( h&s & f+]s is an infallible
 aid 9 ! id5tification ( crim9als & 9 ! 
pro( ( ! pres5ce ( a suspect at ! sc5e (
 a crime--,i ref] to f+]pr9ts1 ( c\rse4 
,b f+]pr9ts are only "o small detail 9  
?is dep>tm5t ( inve/igation4 ,our       
crim9als "k t gloves mu/ be worn1 or any
 smoo? surface wip$ s z to remove !     

pr9ts4 ,9 t way !y believe !y *eat !    
microscope or ! pocket l5s4  ,z a matt] 
( fact few p h ?\ght ( ano!r way ( ga9+ 
evid5ce f ! f+] tips1 b x is a me?od    
possible to ! sci5ti/1 & is n only      
practicable b exce$+ly effective4 ,9 "t 
x w be recogniz$ by all speciali/s 9    
crime4 ,n[ ,i ref] to ! deposits "u !   
f+] nail4  ,inde$1 x is surpris+ h[ _m  
?+s f9d _! way "u ! nail & into ! corn]s
 ( ! cuticle4 ,k5n$y indicat$ ! files & 
pocket knives visible 9 ! %ad$ squ>e (  
light be=e him4 ,! value ( exam9+       
f+]-nail deposits becomes evid5t :5 we  
realize t ev]yone c>ries away 9 t fa%ion
 a sample ( e bit ( mat]ial he h&les4   
,to t\* a piece ( clo?1 ev5 lightly1 w  
result 9 ! cat*+ ( a few ( its fib]s4   
,simil>ly1 ! f+] nails w deposit ei!r a 
small or l>ge portion ( _! accumulation 
^u su* ?+s z ! knife blades or files us$
 to clean !m2 & !re id5tification /ill  
is possible4 ,no?+ 9 ! _w is too        
inf9itesimal = use z evid5ce b5ea? !    
microscope4  ,9 classify+ ^!            

accumulations--,k5n$y paus$ & ! sil5ce 9
 ! little room 0 dea?-l--we may say t   
!re are "s :i* are legitimate & "s :i*  
are n4 ,x is ! latt] :i* conc]n u n[4 ,!
 fir/ day we 7 "h at ! /udio1 j f\r days
 ago n[1 & imm$iately foll[+ ! murd] (  
,miss ,lam>1 ,mr4 ,jameson discov]$ a   
t[el 9 ! wa%room on ! second floor ( !  
(fice build+4 ,on t t[el !re 7 spots (  
,*9ese yell[1 make-up1 z ?\gh x _h be5  
us$ to wipe a face or h&s by "s actor or
 actress4 ,^? spots 7 unimportant4 ,!re 
7 o!rs1 h[ev]1 ( an entirely diff]5t    
nature1 toge!r ) ! m>k ( blood & a /a9  
:i* %[$ t a hypod]mic ne$le _h be5      
clean$ ^u ! t[el be=e x 0 ?r[n 9 !      
basket4  ,k5n$y lean$ =w>d4 ,8 eyes     
travel$ f face to face4 ,t t[el 0 a     
dang]\s clue4 ,n[ !re 0 a new grim      
elem5t 9 8 voice4 ,t t[el alone has giv5
 me ! evid5ce on :i* ,i %all obta9 a    
conviction 9 ?is case4 ,to-day ,i let x 
be kn[n t x 0 9 my possession & ! guilty
 man or woman und]/ood at once ! value x
 w\ld be to me4 ,9 ord] to ga9          

additional clues ,i purposely gave !    
impression t ,i _h yet to analyze ei!r !
 spots or ! trace ( blood4 ,i want$ !   
t[el /ol51 & = t purpose ,i plac$ ! bag 
conta9+ x 9 a lock] & left ! lock]      
ungu>d$4 ,i coat$ ! t[el ) a sub/ance   
:i* w\ld cause discom=t & al>m--it*+    
salve--n ) ! idea t anyone w\ld be      
fooli% en\gh to g ab\t scrat*+ be=e my  
eyes1 b ) ! idea ( mak+ t p]son believe 
t su* 0 my purpose & ) ! idea ( driv+   
him--or h]--to wa%+ 8 h&s at once &1 m1 
) ! idea ( =c+ him or sc>+ him into     
clean+ 8 f+]nails4  ,i succe$$4 ,on "o (
 ^! files or knife blades ,i h f\nd &   
id5tifi$ ! fib]s ( t t[el4 ,i d n yet "k
 ! p]son1 b ,i "k ! m>k plac$ by ,mackay
 on ! outside ( ! little envelope1 & :5 
,i tell ,mackay ! m>k he w "n ! guilty  
p]son4  ,mr4 ,k5n$y6 ,manton spoke up1  
impulsively1 e t[el 9 ! /udio is ! same4
 ,i b\ght !m all at ! same "t4 ,! fib]s 
w\ld all be alike4 ,y h nam$ sev5 p to  
me1 includ+ myself1 z possibly guilty ( 
^!--^! murd]s4 ,y\r conclusions may be v

 unju/--& may lead to a s]i\s misc>riage
 ( ju/ice4  ,k5n$y 0 unp]turb$4 ,?is    
p>ticul> t[el1 9 addition to ! it*+     
salve1 0 ?or\ghly impregnat$ ) a        
colorless *emical :i* *ang$ !           
composition ( ! fib]s 9 a way easily    
di/+ui%+ !m f ! o!rs "u ! microscope4 ,d
 y see1 ,mr4 ,manton8  ,! promot] _h no 
m to say4  ,n[ :at connection has ! t[el
 ) ! case8 ,simply ?is6 ,k5n$y pick$ up 
"o ( ! t9y pieces he _h cut out ( x4 ,! 
poison us$ to kill ,miss ,lam> 0 snake  
v5om4 ,he paus$ :ile a little murmur w5t
 ?r\gh 8 audi5ce1 ! fir/ s\nd ,i _h     
detect$4 ,^! spots on ! t[el are        
antiv594 ,! v5om itself is exce$+ly     
dang]\s to h&le4 ,! guilty man--or      
woman--took no *ances1 b inoculat$      
himself ) antiv591 protection aga9/ any 
*ance action ( ! poison4 ,! m>ks on !   
t[el are ! m>ks made by ! ne$le us$ by t
 p]son 9 tak+ ! inoculation4  ,if y w   
foll[ me closely y w und]/& !           
significance ( ?is4 ,miss ,lam> 0 kill$ 
by ! scrat* ( a ne$le secret$ 9 !       

porti]es ?r\gh :i* %e came1 play+ ! sc5e
 9 ,mr4 ,phelps's libr>y4 ,t ,i w prove 
to y :5 ,i %[ y ! film4 ,! night foll[+ 
h] dea? "s "o broke into ! room !re at  
,t>ryt[n & remov$ ! ne$le4 ,9 remov+ !  
ne$le t p]son scrat*$ himself1 or       
h]self4 ,on ! porti]es ,i f\nd "s t9y   
spots ( blood4 ,k5n$y paus$ to hold up !
 bit ( heavy silk4 ,i analyz$ !m & f\nd 
t ! blood s]um _h *ang$ 9 "* v subtly4  
,i demon/rat$ t ! blood ( ! p]son :o    
took ! ne$le conta9$ antiv591 & if      
necess>y ,i c prove ! blood to come f ! 
same individual :o wip$ ! ne$le on !    
t[el 9 ! /udio4  ,k5n$y press$ ! button 
be=e him1 twice4 ,n[ ,i want y to see1  
actually see ,miss ,lam> meet h] dea?4  
,! lights w5t out1 !n ! picture fla%$ on
 ! scre5 be=e u1 reveal+ ! gloom & my/]y
 ( ! op5+ sc5e ( ,! ,black ,t]ror4 ,we  
saw ! play ( ! fla%light1 f9ally ! f+]s 
& next ! arm ( ,/ella z %e p>t$ !       
curta9s4 ,9 ! close-up we witness$ !    
repetition ( h] appe>ance1 s9ce ! film 0
 simply splic$ toge!r1 n mat*$ or       

trimm$4 ,foll[+ came all ! action d[n to
 ! po9t :]e %e collaps$ ov] ! figure (  
,w]n] on ! floor4 ,be=e ! cam]a man     
/opp$1 ,manton ru%$ 9 & 0 photograph$   
b5d+ ov] h]4  ,k5n$y's voice 0          
dramatically t5se1 = n "o ( u b _h be5  
pr(\ndly affect$ by ! reproduction ( !  
trag$y4  ,did y notice ! t]ror 9 h] face
 :5 %e cri$ out8 ,0 t t]ror1 really8 ,if
 y 7 wat*+1 y w\ld h detect$ a slight   
fl9* z %e bru%$ h] arm up aga9/ ! silk4 
,= j a mom5t %e 0 n act+4 ,x 0 pa91 n   
pret5d$ t]ror1 :i* made h] scream4 ,!   
devili% feature to ?is :ole plot 0 ! c>e
 tak5 to cov] j t ?+-h] inevitable      
exclamation4 ,n[ wat* closely z ,i      
signal ! op]ator to run ! same action f 
! o!r cam]a4 ,notice ! gradual effect ( 
! poison1 h[ %e =ces h]self to keep go+ 
)\t realization ( ! fact t dea? is at   
h&1 h[ %e collapses f9ally ?r\gh %e]    
inability to ma9ta9 h] control ( h]self 
a mom5t long]4  ,dur+ ! runn+ ( ! second
 piece ! t5se sil5ce 9 ! room 0 gha/ly4 
,:o 0 ! guilty p]son8 ,:o possess$ su*  

amaz+ call\sness t an exhibition ( ?is  
sort br\ght no outcry8  ,n[--,k5n$y     
glanc$ ar\nd 9 ! dim light1 swit*$ on   
betwe5 ! runn+ ( ! diff]5t /rips--,i'm  
go+ to project ! banquet sc5es & %[ y ! 
mann] ( ,w]n]'s dea?4  ,sc5e aft] sc5e (
 ! banquet fla%$ be=e u4 ,"h ! cutt] _h 
n be5 sure j :at ,k5n$y want$ & _h      
splic$ up ev]y?+4 ,we saw ! m>vel\s     
direction ( ,w]n]1 :o little realiz$ t x
 0 to be 8 la/ few mom5ts on e>?1 & we  
grasp$ ! beauty & illusion ( ! set caus$
 by ! mirrors & ! man's skill 9 plac+ 8 
p4 ,yet !re 0 n a s\nd1 because we knew 
t ?is 0 a trag$y1 a grim episode 9 :i*  
!re 0 no human ju/ification :atev]4     
,w]n] rose at 8 place4 ,he propos$ 8    
toa/4 ,he drank ! cont5ts ( 8 glass4    
,!n1 8 expression *ang$ to wond]m5t & f 
t to fe> & realization1 & he dropp$ to !
 floor4  ,k5n$y's voice1 int]rupt+1     
seem$ to me to come f a great di/ance1 s
 p[]fully 0 ,i affect$ by ! bit ( film4 
,! poison us$ to kill ,mr4 ,w]n] 0      
botul9 tox91 select$ because its effects

 c\ld n be diagnos$ z any?+ o!r ?an     
ord9>y food poison+4 ,:5 we look at !   
pr9t f ! second cam]a's negative y w    
notice h[ quickly x act$4 ,x 0 ! pure   
tox91 plac$ 9 8 glass be=e ! w9e 0 p\r$4
  ,once m ! un=tunate director's dea? 0 
reproduc$ be=e u4  ,/ruck d[n1 exclaim$ 
,craig1 z ?\gh by "s invisible lightn+  
bolt1 )\t m]cy1 )\t a *ance1 )\t !      
slighte/ bit ( compunction6 ,:y8 ,i'll  
tell y4 ,because he suspect$1 9 fact    
knew1 :o ! guilty p]son 04 ,because he  
foll[$ t p]son out to ,t>ryt[n ! night !
 ne$le 0 remov$ f ! porti]es4 ,because  
he 0 a m5ace to t p]son's life6  ,k5n$y 
turn$ to ! op]ator4 ,h ^? o!r sc5es come
 d[n8  ,yes1 sir6  ,all "r6 ,k5n$y fac$ 
! re/ ( u aga94 ,!re 01 or r is1 ano!r  
p]son :o suspects ! id5tity ( ! crim9al4
 ,to-day an attempt 0 made ^u ! life (  
,%irley4 ,%irley w n tell :om he        
suspects because he has no def9ite pro(1
 yet = ! m]e fact t he suspects he      
n>r[ly escap$ ! fate ( ,/ella ,lam> &   
,w]n]4 ,k5n$y press$ ! button4 ,witness 

! ef=t to kill ! man play+ ! "p ( !     
,black ,t]ror4  ,! pr9t 0 t]ribly bad1 9
 appe>ance almo/ a dupe1 due to ! spe$ )
 :i* x _h be5 made4 ,nev]!less ! two v  
brief sc5es ru%$ ?r\gh = ?is %[+ 7 m    
absorb+ly ?rill+1 m graphic ?an any?+   
ev] to be se5 ev5 9 a news reel at a    
movie !at]4  ,notice6 ,k5n$y exclaim$4  
,he puts 8 h& 9 "o pocket1 he fumbles1  
hesitates1 !n f9ds ! bottle 9 ! o!r4    
,:oev] put ! poison 9 ! vial replac$ x 9
 ! wrong pocket4 ,! film %[s t v cle>ly4
 ,! cam]a proves t x 0 n an attempt at  
suicide4 ,yet ! poison us$ 0 belladonna1
 select$ because ?is victim _h pur*as$  
"s & because x w\ld seem sure1 !re=e1 t 
he _h committ$ suicide4  ,we sat 9      
sil5ce1 li/5+1 horrifi$4  ,!re is /ill  
ano!r matt]1 ,k5n$y w5t on1 aft] a      
mom5t4 ,! fire 9 ! negative vault ?is   
morn+ 0 inc5di>y4 ,i h prov$ to !       
satisfaction ( sev]al ( u t a bomb 0    
con/ruct$ ( wet phosphorus & old film & 
plac$ 9 ! vault by trick]y f\r days ago1
 ! same day ,/ella ,lam> 0 kill$4 ,?r\gh

 a miscalculation ! phosphorus 0 sl[ 9  
dry+ & ! fire did n occur until to-day4 
,?anks to t fact ,i h 9 my possession a 
bit ( negative :i* ! murd]] v likely    
wi%$ to h de/roy$2 9 fact1 ,i believe   
its de/ruction to be ! motive 9 plann+ !
 fire 9 ! vault4 ,he fac$ ! op]ator4    
,ready to run ! negative8  ,yes1 sir6   
,k5n$y press$ ! button & :5 ! projection
 ma*9e ?rew its picture ^u ! scre5 ,i   
saw some?+ su* z ,i _h nev] imag9$ be=e4
 ,ev]y?+ 0 black :i* %\ld h be5 :ite &  
ev]y?+ :ite :i* %\ld h be5 black4 ,! two
 extremes %ad$ into ea* o!r 9 weird     
fa%ion4 ,9 fact x 0 uncanny to wat* a   
negative project$ & ,i foll[$1 fasc9at$4
  ,?is is a film made ) ! co-op]ation ( 
,doctor ,nagoya ( ! ,ca/leton ,in/itute 
& ,i am told by ,mr4 ,manton t x is "o (
 ! f9e/ snake pictures ev] made4 ,k5n$y 
spoke fa/1 s t we w\ld get ! full b5efit
 ( 8 explanation & s t x w\ld n be      
necess>y to subject ! negative to ! we> 
& te> ( ! sprocket :eels 9 ! projection 
ma*9e aga94 ,i am runn+ ?is = y to %[ y 

! action ( ! rattlesnake1 ^: v5om 0 us$ 
to kill ,miss ,lam>1 & to give y an idea
 ( ! s\rce ( ! murd]]'s k ( snake       
poison4  ,at ?is mom5t ,doctor ,nagoya1 
:om ,i c\ld b>ely recognize 9 ! inv]t$  
photography1 seiz$ "o ( ! rattl]s4 ,x 0 
a close-up & we c\ld see ! reptile d>t  
out its =k$ tongue1 seek+ to get at !   
h&s ( ! ,japanese1 lock$ firmly ab\t its
 neck4 ,!n ano!r man walk$ into !       
picture1 hold+ a j>4 ,at once ! snake   
/ruck at ! glass4 ,z x did s x 0        
possible to see drops ( ! v5om project$ 
into ! j>4  ,o!r details foll[$ & !re 7 
views ( o!r sorts & bre$s ( snakes1 f ! 
poison\s to ! mo/ h>mless4 ,! pr9cipal  
sc5e1 h[ev]1 _h be5 ! "o %[+ ! v5om4    
,lights up6  ,! op]ator ?rew ! swit*    
aga91 /opp+ ! film & at ! same "t light+
 ! projection room4 ,k5n$y /epp$ =w>d & 
turn$ to face u4  ,!re 0 ?is negative 9 
! vaults4 ,he spoke rapidly4 ,x bore a  
c]ta9 "n on ! film1 z editor4 ,"s "o    
knew t pro( ( ! possession ( ?is k (    
snakes might prove a p[]ful l9k 9 ! *a9 

aga9/ him4 ,if t _h be5 a positive      
in/ead ( a negative1 y w\ld h recogniz$ 
,doctor ,nagoya's 'assi/ant4' ,!re 0 a  
d\ble motive 9 bl[+ t vault--to de/roy !
 company & to protect himself4 ,9 fact1 
all ! re/ ( ! negative 0 de/roy$4 ,only 
by *ance ,i sav$ ?is piece--! v "o t he 
want$ to de/roy4  ,ev]yone wait$        
brea?lessly = ,k5n$y's next move4       
,sudd5ly ,k5n$y flu%$4 ,i c\ld see t he 
became g5u9ely angry4  ,9 ?is room1 he  
exclaim$1 !re sits ! mo/ unscrupul\s1   
cold-blood$1 inhuman be+ ,i h ev] kn[n4 
,yet he ma9ta9s sil5ce1 believ+ /ill t  
he c defy ! sci5tific evid5ce ( 8       
crimes4 ,i h n yet m5tion$1 h[ev]1 !    
real pro( ( 8 guilt4  ,k5n$y pick$ up "o
 ( ! little envelopes1 "o :i* conta9$ a 
blood sme>4 ,dur+ ! explosion ?is morn+ 
a numb] ( y 7 cut by fall+ glass4 ,y w  
rememb] t ,i b\nd up y\r cuts1 c>efully 
cleans+ ea* "o & wip+ away ! blood4 ,t  
gave me a sample ( ! blood ( ev]yone b  
,miss ,lor+ & ,mr4 ,%irley4             
,subsequ5tly1 )\t _! k1 ,i obta9$ a     

sample f ea* ( !m4 ,?us ,i h a specim5 f
 ev]yone conc]n$1 or possibly conc]n$ 9 
! murd]s4  ,he glanc$ ab\t1 b ev5 n[ !re
 0 no telltale revelation4  ,i h analyz$
 ^! & "o %[s t ! p]son f :om ,i obta9$ !
 sample has be5 inoculat$ ) antiv594 ,! 
m>k on ! envelope is ! same z ! m>k on !
 envelope conta9+ ! t[el fib]s1 a d\ble 
pro(4 ,fur!rmore1 ,i am prep>$ to %[ t x
 is ! same blood z ! blood ^u ! porti]e4
 ,he fac$ me4 ,all at once 8 voice c>ri$
 ! %>pness ( a :ip4 ,walt]1 relieve     
,mackay at ! door & take 8 weapon4 ,let 
no "o out4 ,mackay1 come "h6  ,an in/ant
 lat] ! di/rict attorney lean$ ov]4 ,he 
glanc$ at ! m>k indicat$ by ,k5n$y1 !n  
:isp]$ a "n4 ,! next in/ant ,k5n$y rose4
 ,i ?\ght s1 he mutt]$4  ,rais+ 8 voice1
 he address$ all ( u4  ,"h is a man :o  
?\ght crime s long t he believ$ he c\ld 
get away )--murd]6 ,n only did he commit
 a second murd] & plan a ?ird to cov] ! 
fir/1 b he plant$ evid5ce aga9/ ne>ly   
all ( y4 ,he dropp$ ! ampulla 9         
,mc,groarty's c> to implicate any "o (  

f\r p4 ,he coolly /ole a cig>ette case  
to put x :]e x w\ld be f\nd aft] ! film 
fire & cl9* suspicion4  ,= all ?is1 :at 
ju/ification has he _h8 ,jeal\sy1       
jeal\sy ( ! n>r[e/1 mo/ primitive1 sort 
actuat$ him4 ,n only 0 he will+ to kill 
,/ella ,lam>1 b he s\ght to de/roy e    
foot ( negative 9 :i* %e _h appe>$4 ,he 
0 jeal\s ( h] success1 great] ?an 81    
jeal\s ( h] int]e/ 9 o!r m51 great] ?an 
h] int]e/ 9 him4 ,h] divorce 0 maneuv]$ 
directly by him simply because he ?\ght 
x w\ld hurt & humiliate h]1 & = no o!r  
reason4  ,:5 no?+ seem$ to /op h]1 on h]
 upw>d climb1 :5 he realiz$ t %e 0 z    
ambiti\s z he 0 & t h] position 9 !     
picture _w alone int]e/$ h]1 he s\ght by
 devi\s means1 by subtle s*emes1 by     
spread+ dissatisfaction & enc\rag+      
diss5sion1 to wreck ! company :i* _h    
made h]4 ,at ! end--he kill$ h]--wait+  
craftily until %e 0 at ! v climax ( h]  
f9e/ piece ( "w1 ! op5+ sc5es ( ',!     
,black ,t]ror4'  ,!re 0 bitt]ness 9     
,k5n$y's tones4 ,be=e1 ,i w\ld n believe

 t a man--  ,sudd5ly ! projection room 0
 plung$ into d>kness4 ,"s "o _h pu%$ !  
wall swit* close by me4 ,i back$ into ! 
doorway1 rais+ my weapon to resi/ any   
attempt to escape4  ,almo/ at ! same    
in/ant !re 7 ! s\nds ( a /ruggle4 ,k5n$y
 _h da%$ =w>d 9 ! d>kness1 sure ( !     
position ( 8 man1 unafraid4  ,a scream  
,i recogniz$ f ! ?roat ( ,enid4 ,i grop$
 = ! swit*1 b ! op]ator 9 ! boo?        
anticipat$ me4 ,9 ! fir/ bur/ (         
illum9ation ,i saw t ,k5n$y _h =c$ 8    
antagoni/ back ov] ! front r[ ( *airs4  
,almo/ ,i he>d ! crack ( ! man's sp9e4  
,i caught a glimpse ( ! man's face &    
gasp$ at ! murd]\s rage z he /ruggl$ &  
/rove to break ,k5n$y's iron grip4      
,enid 0 ! fir/ at ,k5n$y's side4 ,) an  
expression ,i fail$ to analyze until    
long aft]w>d %e s\ght to claw at !      
murd]]'s unprotect$ features1 twit*+ n[ 
9 impot5t fury4  ,y wrote t note = h] to
 meet y at ! te>oom1 ,k5n$y mutt]$1 eyes
 n>r[+ grimly1 kn[+ %e w\ld be dead be=e
 t "t4 ,y protect$ y\rself aga9/ !      

poison$ ne$le 9 ! porti]es--b--y\r own  
blood convicts y--,mill>d6  ,,! ,,end